Food, fellowship and fun are the heart of St. Sophia's Greek Fest in Elgin

Fresh traditional dishes and modern Greek music will set the stage for the 37th annual St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church Greek Fest in Elgin.

"First and foremost, it's about coming out and getting to spend quality time with people in our church," said Nick Sparagis, a veteran Greek Fest volunteer and Elk Grove Village resident.

Sparagis, who passes two other Orthodox churches on his way to Elgin, said this is the largest, most fun, and most important fundraiser for the church.

The festival, which runs Friday through Sunday, July 10 through 12, includes live music, kids' activities, authentic Greek cuisine, and a Greek marketplace. Those dishes range from savory skewers of souvlakia to sweet treats like Baklava.

Sieglinda Savas of Crystal Lake has been the festival's co-chairwoman along with her husband, Dan, for the past 11 years. She said there is no substitute for fresh Greek cooking and the festival's authentic atmosphere.

"We have great food; we don't have it shipped in," Savas said. "We make it on site. Greek restaurant owners make it along with delicious Greek sweets."

Along with classical Greek plates like gyros, moussaka and saganaki, the festival is adding a late night treat for hungry visitors. Each night at 9 p.m., as bands are playing, attendees' drinks from the festival's full bar can be accompanied by Greek pizza topped with gyro meat, feta cheese and olives.

Throughout the festival, Mediterranean meals will be accompanied by entertainment. Former 7th heaven frontman Keith Semple will perform Friday night with his band The Sempletons.

But Saturday is saved for the well-known Greek band from Chicago Rythmos. Savas said to complement their more traditional performances like the Agape Dancers, who perform all week long, festival organizers added Rythmos as a more accessible, trendy act.

"They're a cool band." Savas said. "It's like hip Greek club stuff."

Still, the heart of the festival rests in the kitchen. But if curious suburbanites want a quick fix of Greek food, St. Sophia's offers a drive-through serving all their freshly prepared dishes.

"Some people don't want to fight off the crowds, but still want great authentic Greek food, so we make it easier to get our culture to them," Sparagis said. "Its more functional and helps a lot of seniors. It's a necessary service."

Visitors will be able to drive up and through the front driveway and order from a range of entrees and desserts, while workers bring the meals to their car.

One lucky festivalgoer will have a chance to visit Greece for real. Greek Fest 2015 will raffle off a weeklong trip to Greece in any city of the winner's choosing. The prize was donated by a member of the church and can be planned for anytime in the next two or so years.

St. Sophia's is at 525 Church Road in Elgin, off Route 31 just north of I-90. Admission is $2 for adults and free for children 12 and younger. For details, visit www.st-sophia.com or call (847) 888-2822.

If you go

What: St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church's 37th annual Greek Fest

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, July 10; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 11; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 12

Where: St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 515 Church Road, Elgin

Admission: $2 for adults, free for children 12 and younger

Details: <a href="http://www.st-sophia.com">www.st-sophia.com</a>; (847) 888-2822