St. Nectarios celebrates Greek culture with annual fest

The best in Greek food, music and culture will be on display in Palatine this weekend as St. Nectarios Church hosts its annual Greek Fest celebration.

The fest kicks off at 4 p.m. Friday and runs until midnight, then continues from 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday and noon to midnight Sunday. Festival grounds at are the church, 133 S. Roselle Road, Palatine.

Authentic Greek cuisine will, as always, be a highlight of the three-day event, which includes an extensive menu featuring traditional fare like souvlaki, gyros, pastichio (Greek lasagna), saganaki and loukaniko (Greek sausage). For visitors who can't stay to eat, there will be a drive-through open from 4-9 p.m. Friday and noon-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Music will be provided by Exit 147 on Friday night and Rythmos, billed as "Chicago's Best Greek Band," on Saturday and Sunday. Kids activities and a Greek marketplace round out some of the fest's highlights.

Admission to the fest is $2, but a coupon for free entry can be found at the festival's website, www.stnectariosgoc.org/greek-fest-home-page.

Off-site parking with shuttle bus service to the festival is available at Marion Jordan School, at Palatine and Harrison roads, and Harper College, at Roselle and Algonquin roads.