VESTAL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – The weekend after Memorial Day means it’s time for residents of Greater Binghamton to be Greek for a Day, or perhaps four days. The Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Vestal is holding its 52nd annual Greek Festival today through Sunday.
This afternoon, guests were enjoying live music from singer John Koutsaris, keyboardist Theodore Gritziotis and bouzouki player George Gritziotis. As usual, lots of Greek delicacies were coming off the grill and out of the church kitchen, including gyro, souvlaki, mousaka, pastichio and spanakopita.
There’s a baked good section with baklava, diples, finikia and more. And don’t forget the honey puffs and baklava sundaes. Drinks include Greek beer and wine, including a retsina, a traditional Greek wine that includes pine resin. Festival Chairman Jimmy Anastos, whose father Steve oversaw the event for decades, says he grew up working at the Greek Fest.
Today, his own children, nephews and cousins are part of the more than 50 volunteers that make the fundraiser for the church possible.
“What can Greeks do better? Eat, drink, dessert and music. That’s what we have in our culture, that’s what we live by, that’s how we grew up around the dinner table with Greek music and food. And that’s what we have to offer and what we want to give all the Vestal community and the surrounding communities around the Triple Cities,” Anastos said.
In addition to the music, there will be Hellenic dancers tomorrow at 5:30 and 7:30, Saturday at 1:30, 4 and 6:30 and Sunday at 1:30. The traditional leg of lamb dinner is available Sunday only. The hours are noon to 8 today through Saturday and noon to 4 on Sunday.
There will be a shuttle bus available from the NYSEG lot on Old Vestal Road Friday from 6 to 9 and Saturday from 2 to 9.
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