The 36th annual Greek Festival took place this year at the Greek Orthodox Church on Truxtun Avenue.? The festivities kicked off on Sept. 5 and ended Sept. 6.? The yearly event is the church’s major fundraiser according to church member Mark Pearse. ?
“It helps meet our expenses and keep the doors of the church open,” he said as he took a break from preparing some of the delicious foods being served. The most popular food he reported was the Gyro, pronounced “yeero,” which is beef wrapped in pita bread, tomatoes, onion and Tzaziki sauce.?
Among many of the other Greek foods being sold were also a very popular dessert called Loukoumathes, which are donut holes glazed with real honey and cinnamon.? “People come here just for these,” said church volunteer Kelly Demestihas. Several other traditional Greek appetizers, desserts, dishes and drinks were being served.? As the evening went on, nearly every picnic table seat was filled with members of the community enjoying the sounds of the live music being played.
Outside vendor Cathy Richards was making a great profit as several of the festival attendees were wearing the belly dancing skirts and Mediterranean-themed jewelry being sold at her stand.
Terry Tsitakis, originally from Bakersfield, comes down from his home in Palm Springs with friend James Rupp every year to visit family and attend the festival. “It’s a tradition,” he said.
When asked about his favorite part of the event, attendee Bill Camp replied, “Without a doubt the food,” as he drank one of the many beers also being offered.
The event appeared to be a success; it attracts about 2500 people every year and raises several thousand dollars for the church. “Without this, we probably wouldn’t exist,” said Pearse, who also mentioned that some of the revenue goes to outside organizations as needed.