How to go
What: 47th annual Greek Fest presented by Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
When: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 25-27
Where: Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2500 Grand Ave., Middletown
Cost: Admission is free. Items are available for purchase.
More info: www.stsconstantineandhelengreekchurch.org
Festivalgoers will have an opportunity to experience authentic Greek food, culture, music, dance and more, as part of Middletown’s 47th annual Greek Festival this weekend.
“Historically, this has been a way to share the Greek culture with the community,” said Niki Nestor McNeely, the festival’s co-chair. “We also provide church tours, so guests can get a little taste of the religion part of our culture.”
On Thursday night from 5 to 8, Nestor McNeely said, there will be a preview of the event, called Gyros on the Go. Prior to the start of the festival, guests may purchase Gyros for $5 and assorted pastry boxes for $10. Many of the pastries are handmade and take several weeks to create.
“We have a small community, it’s an aging community and many people have moved out of Middletown years ago. Many of the children, who are now in their 40s or 50s, they come back to be a part of it. They help us during the festival, so it’s like a reunion for them. They are also very proud of their Greek heritage,” Nestor McNeely said.
“Guests appreciate the food, music and the atmosphere. People also come to see their friends, to sit back and relax,” Nestor McNeely said.
For the first time, there will be a pictorial history presentation of the early years of Armco Steel Corp.
Another new addition this year is a photo booth. Guests can put on hats and other costume accessories and have their picture taken.
Organizers said 4,000 to 10,000 guests attend the festival, annually, depending on the weather. The fundraising event successfully raised about $21,000 last year, which represents more than 25 percent of the church’s annual operating budget. The church has a weekly, part-time priest, the Rev. Germogen Tucker. On average, about 40 to 50 families attend the Sunday morning service, each week.
“Last year, was probably one of our best years ever, because the weather was perfect,” Nestor McNeely said.
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