Courtesy photos
Olympians Vadym Kolesnik and Emilea Zingas will be a part of the GreekFest festivities.
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church invites the community to experience the sights, sounds and flavors of Greece at its annual GreekFest, returning Friday, Aug. 21, through Sunday, Aug. 23. This year’s festival joins communities nationwide in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, honoring the spirit of freedom, opportunity and cultural richness that have shaped the nation.
GreekFest attracts more than 10,000 visitors each year for authentic Greek cuisine, live entertainment, traditional dancing, cultural exhibits and family activities. More than 250 volunteers work throughout the year to prepare everything that makes GreekFest memorable for all ages.
Festival-goers will be treated to traditional Greek music and dancing, marketplace shopping, church tours, cultural exhibits, homemade pastries, authentic Greek cuisine and more.
an assortment of Greek foods will be available for purchase.
The band Enigma, with vocalist Niko Varlamos, will perform as Assumption dance groups provide entertainment with costumes and dances from the regions of Greece. Open dancing follows with Assumption dancers teaching the easy steps of Greek dancing throughout the weekend.
The grand-opening ceremony takes place 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21. The Grosse Pointe South High School marching band will entertain during the event, which also includes Olympic ice skaters Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik. They will be available for meet-and-greet appearances Friday and Saturday. Zingas, a member of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, is a source of pride and inspiration for the parish.
Devin Scillian, retired WDIV-TV anchor, and his band, Arizona Son, will perform “A Salute to America” on Saturday afternoon.
Other festival highlights include:
Authentic Greek cuisine — Popular Hellenic menu items include kebabs, spinach pie, lamb shanks, stuffed grape leaves, pastitsio, flaming cheese, Coney dogs, gyros and more. Chicken tenders, hot dogs and fries are popular with kids. Homemade pastries prepared by the ladies of Assumption, including baklava, custard rolls, Greek breads and cookies and loukoumades (honey balls) will be offered as well. A taverna also is available for adults ages 21 and older.
Greek classic food dishes are available for carryout. Drive-thru hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Call ahead at (586) 596-6326 or (586) 779-8071. View the menu or order online at assumptionfestival.com
aditional Greek dances will entertain those who attend GreekFest.
Something for kids of every age — Kids’ activities include games, magic and puppet shows, jugglers, face painting, stilt walkers, a balloon man, giant slide, inflatables and more. Kids can have fun while parents sit, watch and take a break from the festivities. Detroit Tigers mascot Paws will be on hand as well.
Marketplace shopping — An indoor marketplace with vendors from the U.S. and Greece provides a variety of items, including icons, art, photography, jewelry, oil paintings, handmade crafts, home accessories, imported women’s clothing and more.
Church tours and iconography presentations — A highlight of GreekFest are tours of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church and the history and development of the iconography. Tours will be given daily.
The Hellenic Museum of Michigan, located in the Cultural Center of Detroit, will provide an exhibit in the Hellenic Room.
A rock-climbing wall is among the activities at GreekFest.
“Hellenic Footprints: Greek Stories from the Midwest and the Legacy of Olympia,” presented in collaboration with the Consulate General of Greece in Chicago, offers a powerful exploration of Greek-American life across the Midwest. Through photography, video and personal histories, the exhibition traces the journeys, struggles and triumphs of communities that carried their heritage across generations while shaping the cultural fabric of the United States.
Complementing this exhibit is “The Legacy of Olympia,” an exploration of the origins of the ancient Olympic Games. Visitors will discover how the Games began in ancient Greece and the traditions and ideals that shaped the competitions.
Grand raffle with cash prizes — The grand raffle takes place at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23. First prize is $10,000; second prize is diamond hoop earrings, valued at $3,750, donated by edmund t. AHEE Jewelers; third prize is $500; and fourth, fifth and sixth prizes are $200 each.
Raffle tickets are $10 each and may be purchased online at assump
tionfestival.com or at Assumption’s office.
“GreekFest is a wonderful event that our entire community looks forward to each year,” GreekFest co-chairman Tom Thomas said. “More than 250 volunteers work together to create a memorable experience for every guest. Whether you come for the food, music, culture or family fun, there truly is something for everyone.”
GreekFest co-chairs are George Dallas, Bob De Waele, Nick Moschouris, Achilles Papakonstantinou, Tom Giftos and Tony Marchiori.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we invite everyone to join us in honoring both our Greek heritage and the values that unite us as Americans,” they wrote in a joint statement. “Experience our culture, our music, our hospitality and our fantastic foods and desserts. We look forward to welcoming friends, neighbors and visitors from throughout metro Detroit.”
Devin Scillian, retired WDIV-TV anchor, and his band, Arizona Son, will perform “A Salute to America” Saturday afternoon.
GreekFest takes place 4 to 11 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Admission is $3; children 12 and younger are admitted free. Free parking and valet and shuttle service will be available.
Proceeds benefit Assumption community programs, as well as Cops For Kids, Focus Detroit and Cass Community Social Services.
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church is located at 21800 Marter, St. Clair Shores.
For information, call (586) 779-6111 or visit assumptionfestival.com.
