Erie's 38th Annual Greek Fest Brings Food, Culture and Community Together

One of Erie's longest-running summer traditions is back as the 38th Annual Greek Fest welcomed crowds to the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church on Friday, offering authentic Greek cuisine, music, dancing, and a celebration of Greek heritage.Organizers say the festival has become the largest cultural festival in Erie, with its authentic food drawing thousands of visitors each year."We have the traditional lamb shank dinner prepared the Greek way, we have pastitsio, we have spanakopita, we have moussaka," said Jerome Simon, co-chairperson of Greek Fest. "Anything that you would find in Greece, you basically could find here. It's almost like going to Greece without leaving Erie."Simon has helped organize the festival since its debut 38 years ago and said, despite its tremendous growth, the event has stayed true to its roots."I remember the first year, ladies were going home and making more baklava because we didn't have enough," Simon recalled. "We didn't know what to expect. Other than growing larger and larger every year, that's about the only thing that's really changed."Beyond the food, festival organizers and performers say Greek Fest is about sharing their culture and welcoming the community."We're just so blessed to have everybody come out here and support our festival and our community, and be a part of our community for a weekend, even if it's just for two days," said Nikos Nacopoulos, instructor for the Erie Hellenic Dancers.Theo Nacopoulos, a dancer with Erie Hellenic Dancers, said visitors can best experience Greek culture by joining in the festivities."Greek hospitality is all about building that community," he said. "Just being part of that community that we're building here today, it's probably the best way to experience it."Of course, organizers say the food remains the festival's biggest attraction, with Simon joking that there is still plenty of ouzo available for guests."We've got a lot of ouzo, and we want to get rid of it," Simon laughed. "I can't drink it all."Greek Fest continues on Saturday at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church on West Lake Road. Festivities resume at 11 a.m., featuring traditional Greek meals, live entertainment, dancing, and cultural activities for visitors of all ages.