Take in sights, tastes of Greek Fest in Palatine

St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church of Palatine will present its annual Greek Fest 2012 Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 22 to 24.

Picnic hours are 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday a the church, Palatine and Roselle roads.

The picnic will be held rain or shine. Admission is $2 per person, free for kids 12 and younger. There will be an ATM on-site.

Parking on-site is limited. There is free shuttle service available from 5:30 p.m. to midnight Friday; 4:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday; and 4:30 to 11 p.m. Sunday from the Harper College West Lot, Algonquin and Roselle roads, and Marion Jordan School, Palatine and Harrison streets.

This Greek Fest has been a celebration of Greek hospitality and culture for mor than 30 years. Every summer, Greek Fest attracts thousands of guests who experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the Greek culture.

It is the largest single fundraising event for St. Nectarios and assists in off setting the costs of running the parish. The event features a Grand Raffle First Prize of $15,000, with additional daily raffles as well.

Authentic Greek foods and pastries will be available, and a Greek Taverna will serve Greek wines and beer. There will be tender pork shish-ka-bobs, gyros, Greek sausages, pastichio (Greek lasagna), salad, saganaki (flaming cheese), spinach and cheese puffs and so much more. Prices range from $4 to $9.

For the sweet tooth, an assortment of Greek pastries will be available, including Loukoumades made on the premises. Loukoumades are small honey cakes, similar to doughnut holes, fried and dipped in warm honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.

The whole family can participate in Greek dancing and music, games for the kids and shop at the unique vendors inside the gymnasium and outside as well.

Music will include the American band Exit 147 on Friday and Greek classics and modern hits from Hellas 2000 Saturday and Sunday. The St. Nectarios Greek School Dance Troupe will entertain Saturday and Sunday evenings as well.

A convenient drive through will be available off Roselle Road for customers not able to stay for the fun but wish to enjoy the foods. Drive through hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Friday and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Visa, MasterCard and debit cards will be accepted.

For information, contact the church office at (847) 359-5170 or visit stnectariosgoc.org.