Get your Greek on at Glenview church's festival
Greek Fest returns to Glenview this month when Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church hosts the family-friendly event from 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 27, and Sunday, July 28, on the church grounds, 1401 Wagner Road, in Glenview.
"Our fest enables us to continue building on the positive relationship we've developed with our neighbors in Glenview and surrounding communities," said the Rev. Panagiotis Boznos, pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Church.
"In addition to sampling the wonderful Greek cuisine, festival guests can experience our Greek culture and music, and, hopefully, gain some awareness of the Orthodox faith.
"A portion of this year's proceeds will be shared with Family Service Center, a mental health agency which serves Wilmette, Glenview, Northbrook and Kenilworth, and Orthodox Christian Fellowship, the collegiate campus ministry at some 200 universities in the U.S. and Canada."
"We look forward to welcoming our guests, rain or shine," said Christy Gouletas, Greek Fest co-chairwoman.
"There will be outdoor dining areas under two big tents and additional seating in our air-conditioned community center. A Greek dance troupe will perform each evening and we'll have carnival games, as well as a bounce house and clown for the kids. Free parking, with shuttle service, will be available at Loyola Academy, and valet parking will be offered just north of the church grounds."
New this year is the Taverna, which will serve favorite Greek appetizers/small plate, including spanakopita (phyllo with spinach and feta filling), loukaniko (grilled sausage), grilled octopus and tiropita (phyllo with cheese filling).
Pork souvlaki (shish kebab) and Athenian chicken dinners, gyros platters, Greek-style salad and hot dogs for the kids will be served in the main food tent. Greek wine and beer will also be sold.
Sweets lovers can enjoy the loukoumades (deep-fried pastry puffs, topped with honey and cinnamon), as well as a variety of homemade pastries, frappes and ice cream from Homer's Ice Cream. Food and pastry items may also be purchased as carryouts.
The Orpheus Dance Troupe will perform at 7:30 p.m. each night. Greek music for listening and dancing will be provided from 4 to 11 p.m., by DJ Zetavibe Productions on Saturday and by DJ Alpha Tunes on Sunday. Lorelei the Clown will entertain the youngsters from 5 to 7 p.m. each evening with face painting and balloon creations.
A tour of the church and explanation of its iconography will take place at 3 p.m. each afternoon.
Free parking will be available at Loyola Academy (Lake and Laramie avenues), with shuttle bus service to/from the fest. Valet parking, for a minimal fee, will be available in the church's north lot on Wagner Road.
For a full entertainment schedule or more information, visit ssppglenview.org or facebook.com/glenviewgreekfest.
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