Greek Fest returns to Kitchener for its 41st year
A celebration of Greek culture is taking place in Kitchener this weekend, highlighting the country’s food, music and dancing.
The 41st annual Greek Food Festival returned to Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church for a two-day event.
Food being cooked for KW's 41st annual Greek Food Festival on June 10. (Terry Kelly/CTV Kitchener)
“We started preparation back in February,” said festival organizer Dimitrios Mitskos. “It’s an event that over 100 volunteers are helping out with. The ladies are cooking for several days and weeks and we’re expecting several thousand to really share our food and traditions over the next 48 hours.”
Attendees have a traditional selection of food to choose from, including souvlaki, gyro, lamb and Greek salad. There are also many desserts to try.
“Everything here that our guests are actually buying to eat is homemade. Nothing is prepared outside so our ladies are really cooking everything in-house here from scratch,” explained Mitskos.
Attendees at KW's 41st annual Greek Food Festival on June 10. (Terry Kelly/CTV Kitchener)
There was also cultural entertainment for people to enjoy.
“We have our Olympic brothers from Toronto, a live group that is performing for us today and tomorrow. This afternoon and tomorrow we have also our dance groups, which is four different age groups that are performing live for us.”
With a large Greek population within Waterloo region, Mitskos said this event greatly helps the community.
“There’s a big Greek Cypriot community actually in Kitchener-Waterloo, with I would say about 12,000 to 15,000 people here. It’s our annual event. It’s actually our biggest fundraiser for our Greek community here and we’re really counting on everyone to come visit us and just spend the weekend with us.”
Food being cooked for KW's 41st annual Greek Food Festival on June 10. (Terry Kelly/CTV Kitchener)
There is a $2 entrance fee but bringing a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank of Waterloo Region will also get you in. Children under the age of 12 get in for free.
“We’ve got involved with the Kitchener hospitals where we’re donating also for cancer treatment departments. Wherever we can help in the community, we love to give back,” Mitskos said.
The Greek Food Festival runs until 10 p.m. on Saturday, picking back up at noon on Sunday until 8 p.m.
Attendees at KW's 41st annual Greek Food Festival on June 10. (Terry Kelly/CTV Kitchener)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
In his new book 'As Long as You Need', hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.