Wheeling’s Greek Festival Keeps Getting Better
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Loading... - Michelle Collins
- 22 Jul 2024
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The parishioners of St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church invite everyone to the 23rd Annual Grecian Food Festival, held from Wednesday to Saturday, July 24-27. Festival hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day.
“Come and connect with our heritage and traditions which are centuries old, yet timeless in substance,” said Gus Kayafas, festival director. “Our sanctuary tours will inspire you, the Orthodox Christian Bookstore will educate you, the food and drink will entice you, and the hospitality will overwhelm you.”
Delightful Menu Offerings
This year, the festival will feature both new and returning menu items, including:
- Opa Fries: Famous tavern fries topped with gyro mezze and tzatziki sauce.
- Big Fat Greek Hot Dog: An all-beef deep-fried hot dog topped with tzatziki cucumber sauce, fresh tomatoes, onions, and crumbled feta.
- Salted Caramel Frappe: Traditional Greek iced coffee topped with cold foam and homemade salted caramel.
Guests can also enjoy real gyros, baklava, and a wide array of authentic Greek cuisine. Free cooking classes will be offered daily, showcasing traditional Greek recipes.
Daily Cooking Classes
- Portokalopita: Maria Kayafas will demonstrate how to make this aromatic Greek orange phyllo cake at 2 p.m. in the Learning Center. “Among the Greek culture, there is a tradition of Philotimo, the love of doing good for people,” said Maria Kayafas. “This comes across in our cooking, our desire to show hospitality to guests, neighbors, and family.”
- Koulourakia: Barb Landers will demonstrate this traditional butter cookie recipe at 4 p.m. in the second floor Learning Center. “I attribute my culinary skills to my mother and yiayia,” said Landers, sharing her Greek heritage and family recipes.
Festive Atmosphere and Activities
The festival promises an electric atmosphere and warm hospitality. Guests can enjoy:
- Food and Beverages: Gyro sandwiches, Greek tavern fries, Wings of Ikaros, chicken kabob, and Saganaki (flaming aged cheese). Youth volunteers will prepare golden fried honey puffs, lemonade, and baklava sundaes.
- Live Entertainment: The Agape Dancers will perform daily, showcasing traditional dances from various regions of Greece, accompanied by live music from “The Greek Company” and DJ George Yamalis.
- Traditional Greek Dishes: Available upstairs in the Hellenic Center Hall, including roast lamb and chicken, pastitsio, moussaka, spanakopita, dolmathes, Greek village salad, and a variety of Greek pastries.
Cultural Experiences
Festival attendees are encouraged to explore the beauty of the Orthodox Christian faith:
- Church Tours: Guided tours of the sanctuary will be available at noon, 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. daily.
- Bookstore and Choir Performances: Visit St. John’s Bookstore, listen to youth and young adult choir liturgical chant demonstrations, and converse with Fr. Demetrios about the ancient faith.
- Byzantine Youth Choir: Performances daily at 4:45 p.m.
Additional Attractions
- Taverna and Kafenio: Returning this year, offering iced frappe, salted caramel frappe, baklava cheesecake, and ladopsomo (cinnamon sugar fried bread).
All food sales will be in-person with no pre-orders in the upstairs Hellenic Center. Food can be packaged for takeout or enjoyed indoors or in the outdoor dining tents.
Stay Updated
For the latest updates and news, follow the event on Facebook at “Grecian Festival” or visit www.grecianfest.com to download a menu. For questions, call 304-232-GYRO (4976). The festival is located in the Centre Market Historic District, with plenty of free parking available on Chapline Street and in the lots across from the church.
Don't miss out on this vibrant celebration of Greek culture, food, and community!
