NEWS

Worth the wait: After year off for pandemic, 35th Cranston Greek Festival draws big crowds

By PETE FONTAINE
Posted 9/15/21

By PETE FONTAINE The Cranston Greek Festival's popularity was reinforced time and again last weekend on the Church of the Annunciation's jam-packed grounds at 175 Oaklawn Ave. Even His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, who made a special visit from

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NEWS

Worth the wait: After year off for pandemic, 35th Cranston Greek Festival draws big crowds

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The Cranston Greek Festival’s popularity was reinforced time and again last weekend on the Church of the Annunciation’s jam-packed grounds at 175 Oaklawn Ave.

Even His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, who made a special visit from Boston, was impressed with every aspect of the 35th annual event, which again featured long lines of people waiting to sample the many homemade Greek foods and pastries that were sold out by the time festivities closed Sunday evening at 8 o’clock.

That’s why Father Andrew George, who along with Assistant Pastor Father Nick Lanzourakis greeted countless festival-goers over the three-day event, best described what’s been called “The Rite of September” at the Greek Orthodox church.

“So many, many people thanked us for having the Greek Festival,” George said. “But we equally thank all those who attended for their positive comments. By not having the festival last year due to the pandemic, people seemed to be extra excited to attend this year.”

Meanwhile, Theofanis “Frank “Markos, who has chaired the event for years and this year worked alongside co-chairs Kevin Phelan, Evan Andrikos and Gina Liakos, issued a heart-felt thank you “to each and every person who attended this year’s festival for their continued support through the years.”

Markos, who like many of Annunciation’s proud parishioners performed a myriad of duties during the three-day event, added: “We sold out of everything again, and we want everyone to know we appreciate their patience for waiting in line for their food and pastry.”

Those food lines are because the Cranston Greek Festival has a well-deserved reputation for presenting high-quality, authentic, homemade and specially cooked Greek foods and pastries that for the first time ever could be ordered both online and in person.

This year’s festival was again highlighted by impressive performances by Annunciation’s award-winning Odyssey Dance Troupe, which put on five shows while dressed in various costumes that represented different regions in Greece.

After their opening on Friday evening, the Odyssey Dance Troupe twice entertained standing-room-only audiences Saturday and Sunday in a number of routines choreographed by director Dr. Steven Rougas.

When asked what’s next for Team Annunciation, Markos said: “We’ll take a short rest then begin planning for 2022, Festival No. 36 … and let’s hope and pray we won’t be interrupted by a pandemic or any other obstacle.”

Greek festival, Greek, festival

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