By Kay Whatley, Editor
On September 8, 2017, my sister, daughter, and I returned to the Raleigh Greek Festival for the second year in a row. The festival was in its 36th year of bringing Greek food, dancing, cooking demonstrations, and vendors to Raleigh.
The festival is organized by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. This year, the church selected Habitat for Humanity to receive a portion of proceeds from the festival.
Hot foods, salads, and baklava were offered on the right-hand side of the festival space, with plenty of tables and chairs in the center for the crowd to eat. Food service areas broken down by souvlaki, gyros, pizza, hot donuts, coffee, baked goods and more, lined the left side.
A stage set up in the center held a variety of performers throughout the festival. There were musicians and dancers of all ages.
Classes were held throughout the festival in Greek cooking and Orthodoxy 101. We sat in on the Friday evening class, which showed how to make Skorthalia — a garlic-potato dip — and Tzatziki — made with yogurt and cucumber.
Behind the stage, a large Greek Market hosted vendors offering jewelry, clothing, imported foods, books, and unique items.
This festival offers free day-passes, making it easy to stop in and check it out without cost… though once you see the delicious foods and cookies, if you’re like us you’ll buy some goodies while you’re there. We’ve enjoyed this festival the past two years, and are glad to support the church and help it to provide for Habitat for Humanity.
Watch for next year’s festival at raleighgreekfestival.com.
