The smell of fresh-baked Greek pastries is filling the air in Wheeling this week as Grecian Fest returns for its 25th year.
The festival kicked off Wednesday at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church and runs through Friday. Festival-goers can try traditional Greek food made in front of them, plus walk through the church and experience more inside.
“We have church tours we have on the premises — second floor, our cooking demonstrations at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock, and then at 6 o’clock, we have traditional Greek dancing with a live band starting. That’s through 8:30 p.m.,” said Gus Kayafas, the festival director.
Kayafas said the Grecian Festival continues to evolve each year to give the community a better experience.
“We’re just always improving, maybe a lot of the little things that the public can’t see. Just how we can do better, serve our guest better, spread our faith a little better, always be better hosts, better food, and better atmosphere,” Kayafas said.
Along with food and activities, Kayafas said the festival offers experiences people may not typically find at other celebrations.
“You know, some say they just love the food, others really enjoy talking with Father about the Orthodox faith, seeing our church, and asking him questions. We actually have an outreach booth that you wont see at a lot of other festivals in the area. When you sit and talk to someone about what makes… not only why we have such special food, but why we have a special Christian faith,” Kayafas said.
The festival runs Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. each day.
