To ring in the fall season, members of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church host their biannual Augusta Greek festival to invite all to enjoy great Greek food.
With delicious Greek pastries, like traditional Baklava and chocolate Koke, made by those a part of the Greek community, and authentic Gyros – there is something everyone can enjoy.
According to Michelle Ennis, festival chairwoman, the festival opens the doors for the community to partake and learn about Greek culture and traditions by introducing patrons to new foods, music and cultural icons.
“It just gives the public a chance to come and experience what we do as a church,” she said. “I think our culture is a fantastic culture. It has a lot of history behind it – we’re very proud of our heritage and our community … we just like sharing those traditions and our faith with the people of Augusta.”
Many attending on Friday said they came solely to chow down on the Greek cooking.
Chip Vangelas, who came to the festival on Thursday’s opening night, said he came back for the wonderful food – his favorite part is enjoying the savory Souvlaki.
Vangelas believes it is important to have a Greek festival to allow outsiders to be introduced to the food which can further their appreciation for the culture.
Sgt. Bill Walker, from the Richmond County’s Sheriff’s Office, said, “I came here to eat; we just came here to eat and support it … it brings in money and brings in people to kind of see the community.”
Walker said he was hesitant to try Greek food the first time. He was worried the flavoring of the food might be too strong for him to enjoy. However, now he really likes the food and was worried for no reason.
Another attendee Steve Presnell, an Augusta native who came with his wife, said he has attended the festival several times and always loves sampling the food while his spouse shops.
Presnell enjoys various cultures’ foods and thinks it is important to have an appreciation for different dishes.
While some came specifically for the Greek food, others came to enjoy the music, dancing and, most of all, the shopping.
“[It] spreads education, brings awareness and brings appreciation,” said Catherine Butt, who works near the event and came because she has some Greek friends. “I think it’s very easy to get stuck in your own niche, in your own group … and therefore limit your worldview and your reality. It’s fun to get out and look at other things and appreciate other things and realize just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s bad.”
Butt said she highly enjoys jewelry shopping and loves to survey the “beautiful necklaces,” necklaces and other silverwork the festival always features.
Vendor Louisa Makhlouf, who is a member of the church and is selling olive-wood sculptures from the Middle East, said she has been participating in the festival for 10 years now and believes in spreading the Christian faith.
Originally from the Jerusalem and Bethlehem area, Maklouf said, “our goal is to raise awareness here that there are Christian Palestinians who live in Bethlehem. We’re down to 2% right now and not everybody thinks that we exist – so we like to talk to people and let them know that we are here.”
The festival is held at the church, 953 Telfair St., and continues through the weekend, running until 9 p.m. Friday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Greek Dancing with the groups Asterakia and Odyssey will be held throughout the event Saturday and Sunday.
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
