Libertyville church to host Greek Fest

Posted August 19, 2009 11:00 pm

The aroma of roasting lamb filled the tent where George Dukas, left, and Chris Gountanis of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church prepared the traditional feast at a previous Greek Fest. The church is hosting the event again this year, Friday through Sunday. Vince Pierri | Staff Photographer

Food, festivities, family and friends are all on the menu again this weekend at the annual Lake County Greek Fest at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Libertyville.

Organizers say this year's event - running from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, through Sunday, Aug. 23 - promises to please everyone again with great entertainment, including live Greek music, the Olympic Dance Troop and a tribute to the Beatles.

And, of course, there is the food. Hundreds have flocked to the church in the past to enjoy traditional food in what has become the area's largest celebration of Greek culture and cuisine.

Last year brought record crowds as the fest returned to the O'Plaine Road location. The church had just celebrated the "door opening" of the newly constructed church, topped with its signature golden dome. Many visitors took time to listen to an audio tour of the Byzantine church.

This year St. Demetrios is offering a 10 percent discount to military personnel and their families or for those who want to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are redeemable for food coupons or can be used as cash at the bar or sweets table.

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church is located at 1400 O'Plaine Road in Libertyville, just south of Route 120 and north of Route 137.

There is free parking and a shuttle at the Viking Middle School at 4460 Old Grand Ave. in Gurnee, or $10 on-site parking. Call (847) 623-0190 for more details and advance ticket purchases.

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church hold its annual Lake County Greek Fest this weekend. Daily Herald file photo

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church holds its Greek Fest at the church on O'Plaine Road in Libertyville beginning Friday. Vince Pierri | Staff Photographer

Evange Bozinis of Gurnee sets up items at the church's gift booth, including flags of Greece, at a previous Greek Fest. The festival is back this year, Friday through Sunday at the church on O'Plaine Road in Libertyville. Paul Valade | Staff Photographer

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.