ATHENS-The title of Athena-Grease Goddess may be peculiar but the honor is bestowed to a woman who is a local heroine for her city.
Organizers of the 2016 Athens Grease Festival are searching for such a woman to wear an honorary toga with burlap sash, carry a fake torch and sit upon a tacky throne to oversee the June 11 festivities on The Square.
“In our wonderful City of Athens, we have some of the most beautiful, powerful and influential women,” said this year’s Athens Grease Festival Chairwoman Robbin Hines. “We have women who demonstrate intellect, compassion, self-sacrifice and strength, all for the sake of our community. That is what makes me excited about the Athena contest. We have an opportunity to shine a light on one of our community heroines.”
The Athens Grease Festival touts itself as a quirky event that honors the Greek origin of the 
city’s name and is a celebration of all things fried. The blend of Greek and Southern results in a toga party on the city’s historic Square with food like fried Sun-Drop cupcakes and fried bologna sandwiches and games like a frozen turkey toss. The festival would not be complete without an Athena overseeing the event.
The mythical Athena was known as a wise Greek goddess who loved and protected the City of Athens, could be a warrior, and had a creative side and interest in the arts, crafts, and agriculture. Likewise, the Athena–Grease Goddess should demonstrate similar qualities through her willingness to give back to the city. She must be a Limestone County resident who works to improve the City of Athens through avenues such as volunteering with non-profits, with the arts, with youth, on a city board, or through environmental efforts. She can earn extra points for being known as a good cook.
Athena-Grease Goddess will lead the opening ceremonies for the festival that is returning after a one-year hiatus due to a lack of electricity during construction at the Limestone County Courthouse and the city’s work to improve Washington Street. Athena-Grease Goddess will have a throne of honor on the courthouse steps where she can watch the festivities and meet with event goers.
Organizers will accept nominations through April 22 at 4:30 p.m. Applications are available online on the Spirit of Athens, Athens Grease Festival and City of Athens Facebook pages, and the City of Athens website at www.athensal.us as well as at City Hall.
Maria Taylor
Helen Carter, who volunteers with the Limestone County Foundation for Aging, City of Athens Relay for Life, CASA and other organizations, was the first official Athena. Maria Taylor served as the second Athena in 2014. She volunteers with Red Cross and Learn-To-Read, and is a member of Vietnam Veterans of America, the Hispanic Ministry at St. Paul Catholic Church and Athens-Limestone Public Library Board of Trustees.
“When I received the call that I was being named Athena, I did not know what this was all about,” Taylor said. “When I was told, I was speechless and very humbled. I love my community, and for that reason I like to get involved in any way I can to make it better. I almost called back to decline, because I am never looking for any recognition. I just want to be part of the place where I live.”
That humble attitude and the desire to give back without receiving recognition is why organizers want to give a local heroine a special day to put on her toga and receive thanks from the community.
Athena – Grease Goddess 2016 Nomination Form
Organizers of the Athens Grease Festival are searching for a woman to serve as Athena – Grease Goddess for the June 11, 2016, Athens Grease Festival. This woman will receive a toga, torch and recognition during the festival and lead the opening ceremonies.
Requirements
The mythical Athena was known as a wise Greek goddess who loved and protected the City of Athens, could be a warrior, and had a creative side and interest in the arts, crafts, and agriculture. Likewise, our Athena – Grease Goddess should demonstrate similar qualities through her willingness to give back to the city. She must be a Limestone County resident who works to improve the city. This could be through volunteering with non-profits, with the arts, with youth, on a city board, or through environmental efforts. She can earn extra points for being known as a good cook. If you know of a woman who should serve as our Athena – Grease Goddess, please answer the following questions:
Your contact information
Name:
Address:
Email:
Phone:
The name of the person you are nominating:
Her Address:
Her Email:
Her Phone
Briefly explain why you are nominating her:
What non-profit or city boards does she serve on (list all you know. Use additional sheets if needed).
Other than boards, what other volunteer opportunities does she participate in that benefit Athens?
What other traits would make her a good representative of Athens?
In your opinion, what is her best fried dish? (if she has one):
Please mail this form to Holly Hollman, P.O. Box 1089, Athens, AL 35612. Forms must be received by April 22, 2016, 4:30 p.m. The festival’s major sponsor will choose the winner, who will be announced prior to the festival.
