CLAIR SHORES, MI – Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 21800 Marter Road in St. Clair Shores, hosts its annual Greek Festival August 15-17 with traditional Greek homemade food and pastries, live music and dancing, and a grand raffle with first prize of $1000.
Volunteers “have been working for weeks to prepare the amazing food that people look forward to every year — like 10,000 grape leaves (dolmades), 5,000 spinach pies (spanakopita) and 5,000 shish kabobs (souvlaki) to 2,000 cheese pies (tiropita) and 1,000 lamb shanks,” the Macomb Daily reported.
“All [to be] devoured by more than 10,000 visitors from throughout the Metro Detroit area,” Joan DeRonne, who is among the organizers of the annual event, told the Macomb Daily.
“The food is one big reason the summertime event attracts a crowd, but it’s also a tradition for the volunteers and participants who work to make it a special event for families, friends, and newcomers,” the Macomb Daily reported, adding that “a portion of the proceeds going to Assumption’s programs and the charities it supports including Cops for Kids, Focus Detroit, and Cass Community Social Services.”
“GreekFest is a wonderful event that our entire community looks forward to annually,” GreekFest co-chair Tom Thomas said in a news release. “Over 250 volunteers from Assumption and the community really enjoy serving the thousands of people who visit us each year.”
The Grand Opening will be held at noon on Friday, August 15, with community leaders and MC Charlie Langton, WJBK-TV Fox 2 anchor and a legal analyst.
The live entertainment includes “local bands and dancers,” the Macomb Daily reported, noting that “retired WDIV-TV anchor David Scillian will perform with his band ‘Arizona Son’ on August 16 from 1:30 to 3 PM.”
“Also providing Greek music throughout the weekend will be Enigma,” the Macomb Daily reported, adding that “Assumption dance groups including the Hellenic Society for the Performing Arts with costumes and dances from the regions of Greece. For those who want to join in the fun, performers will be teaching the easy steps of Greek dances throughout the weekend.”
Also available at the Festival, a drive-thru and carryout express station for those who prefer taking their Greek food to-go.
Hours: Friday, August 15, noon-8 PM; Saturday, August 16, 11 AM-8 PM; and Sunday, August 17, noon- 6 PM. Food may be ordered in advance all weekend by phone: 586-596-6326 or 586-779-8071.
View the full menu online: assumptionfestival.com.
The kids’ activities include “games, magic and puppet shows, jugglers, face painting, stilt walkers, and a giant slide,” the Macomb Daily reported, noting that “Detroit Tigers mascot Paws will be on hand to delight the little ones.”
“Throughout the weekend, volunteers will also provide tours of the iconography by renowned artist Vlasis Tsotsonis that adorns Assumption Greek Orthodox Church,” the Macomb Daily reported, adding that “guests will also learn about ‘The History of Greektown’ through an exhibit presented by the Hellenic Museum of Michigan.”
An indoor marketplace features vendors from across the U.S. and Greece offering original artwork, photography, jewelry, imported women’s clothing and more.
The annual Greek Fest Grand Raffle First prize is $10,000; second prize, a diamond solitaire pendant valued at $3,000 donated by Ahee Jewelers; third prize $500 and $200 for fourth, fifth, and sixth place. Raffle tickets are just $10 each. The drawing will be held on Sunday, August 17, 6 PM.
“We have something for everyone,” Thomas told the Macomb Daily. “It is truly a family event.”
More information is available by phone: 586-779-6111 and online: assumptionfestival.com.
