By Antonia Komarkowski
The Hamptons is an iconic, lavish destination, just a 2 hour drive from New York City and from Thursday 12th July until Sunday 15th July, it will be turning blue and white as the Hamptons Greek Festival will take place.
The festival will be taking place on the grounds of the Dormtion of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, as the gathering celebrates the best of Greek food, music, dancing and culture.
This is the 33rd year that the 4 day event will be taking place which promises festival goers the spirit and hospitality of a traditional Greek Village. They are sure to experience authentic Greek food and homemade Greek pastries, watch traditional greek dancing, go shopping at the marketplace full of vendors, take in the greek culture, and have fun! There will also be an area for kids with carnival rides & games, face painting and much more.
As the festival opens up their hearts and home to you, make sure to visit all the booths and try their delicious, home-made foods and pastries which includes and is not limited to spanakopita, souvlakia, greek style chicken, loukaniko, lemon potatoes, orzo and cold octopus salad.
The 2018 Hamptons Greek Festival will also give attendees the opportunity to tour the new beautiful Byzantine Church which was featured recently in Hamptons Magazine’s “Space, Real Estate and Design” section.
Hours: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 4pm-11pm, Sunday 12pm-9pm
Location: The Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church (111 St Andrews Rd, Southampton, New York 11968)
For information, please visit: hamptonsgreekfestival.com
In the city of Elgin, the northern part of the U.S. state of Illinois, the annual St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church Greek Fest is happening from Friday- Sunday.
This year the festival will be celebrating its 39th year of holding the family-friendly event that features authentic Greek delicacies, a full bar, live music, kids’ activities, a live cooking demonstration, an indoor market and more.
Just some food available to purchase and indulge in at the festival include flaming saganaki cheese, moussaka, pastichio, hamburgers, greek fries and of course souvlakia.
How can we forget that there will also be loukoumades and other pastries to satisfy that sweet tooth!
Co-chair of the festival, Sieglinde Savas said that the event is a big tradition. “I think the people of Elgin and the surrounding areas have come to expect it and they love it. It's awesome because it brings the Greek culture to people who are maybe new to it….we get between 6,000 and 8,000 people. It’s big”
At the festival, you will also be able to shop at the “Marketplace”, purchasing items like jewellery, books, crafts, icons, bags and many other treasures.
Did we mention, that there is also a drive-thru service to buy food at this festival, only available during festival hours!
Hours: St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church Greek Fest will be open for lunch on Friday from 11 a.m- 1 p.m., and then again from 5pm-10pm. On Saturday and Sunday, the festival will be on from 12pm-10pm.
Location: 525 Church Road, off Route 31, north of I-90 in Elgin
Cost: admission is $2; children 12 or younger are free with a paying adult
For information, please visit St-Sophia.com
