Get your gyro on at Elgin Greek Fest

This weekend, Greek music, dancing, food and culture converge in one place in Elgin — St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church, which will hold its 34th annual Greek Fest Friday, July 13 through Sunday, July 15.

Admission is $2 for adults and free for children accompanied by an adult.

With Greek Fest, the food is one of the big draws, and visitors will find it easier to get their fix. Sieglinde and Dan Savas, festival chairs, are excited about improved drive-through for carryout orders.

The fest had a drive-through last year but had to use a different driveway. This year, Sieglinde said, a special driveway was placed just for this event.

“(It) will make the drive-through a great alternative for anyone who loves our food but can't stay for the festivities,” she said.

And the food is definitely worth a new driveway.

Both Savases said, “People love gyros! Most popular food item!”

But the menu options don't stop there. The drive-through offers souvlaki, moussaka, baklava and many more traditional Greek items, and will be open during all hours of the festival, except for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. On Friday only, a special lunch menu will be offered for people to place an order in advance to be picked up. Details are on the festival's website, st-sophia.com/greekfest/

Other food vendors and options are available outside of the drive-through.

Many patrons have attended this event year after year, Sieglinde said. It is appropriate for all ages. Kids' rides and inflatables will be available all day Saturday and Sunday, featuring everything from moon bounces to a Euro-bungee. Unlimited ride bracelets are $15 for Saturday and Sunday.

There is also a beverage bar for adults to try different Greek drinks.

Sieglinde said organizers expect more than 10,000 people to attend the event over the three days. An event so large needs many volunteers. There are 20 chairs in charge of more than 200 volunteers.

“I think people like experiencing the Greek culture,” Sieglinde said, adding that people are engulfed in a different experience with everything the fest has to offer.

After eating, visitors can take in some local entertainment. The St. Sophia's Agape Dance Troupe will perform five times over the weekend. Shows are 8:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday, and 4 and 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

The fest also brought in the popular band, 7th Heaven. “They have a huge following and we are hoping to introduce their many fans to something new — Greek Fest!” Sieglinde said.

Crafters and vendors will also be selling unique gifts in the marketplace.

This three-day weekend is only around once a year, and it is not an event to miss, Sieglinde said.

“It's a tradition in Elgin and there's nothing else quite like it.”

If you go

What: 34th annual Greek Fest

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday, July 13; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 14, and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 15

Where: St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 525 Church Road, Elgin

Admission: $2; children are free with paying adult

Details: <a href="http://www.st-sophia.com/greekfest/">st-sophia.com/greekfest</a>