Columbus Greek Festival to bring cultural traditions, cuisine back to Short North
While the Columbus Greek Festival has endured a number of changes since its start decades ago, two elements continue to draw festivalgoers: authentic cultural offerings and delicious Mediterranean-style dishes.
Albeit with some modifications, spokesman Stacey Stathulis said this year's festival, set for Sept. 3-6 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, will be no different.
"I believe in my heart of hearts, we're going to have a great Greek Festival weekend because I know how the community supports the Greek Festival every year," he said.
Like previous years, the grounds of the cathedral, at 555 N High St., will be filled with traditional Greek cuisine, music and dance. And with last year's event cancelled due to COVID-19, Kathy Pappas, pastry department chairwoman, said patrons can expect a family-like affair.
"Whenever you get us all together, it's like 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding,'" said Pappas, co-owner with her husband of Tommy's Diner on West Broad Street. "It's a lot of goodies and a fun time, so I'm looking forward to it."
Family, food and fun at cathedral
The 48th annual event will feature live performances from Greek folk dancers, island songs from the Hellenic Singers and traditional food such as dolmathes, moussaka, diples and baklava. Tours of the cathedral will also be available.
Leading up to the Labor Day weekend tradition, Stathulis said the planning process was a scattered one, especially with rising coronavirus cases across central Ohio.
COVID has made planning unpredictable
Traditionally, preparation for the annual event would begin in January, but planning was put on pause until the "Taste of Greece" event in May, which was organized due to the uncertainty surrounding the Greek Festival.
After its success, organizers came together to plan for the Greek Festival. And despite the challenges, Stathulis said he and the other organizers are thrilled to bring the festival back and put on a culturally rich and positive event.
"It's been a roller coaster of delta variants and COVID-19 surges, but at some point, we got food made, we've worked with the city to get permits and we're going forward with the festival as we would normally plan to have done every year," Stathulis said. "We're excited to have this back in the community."
About the Columbus Greek Festival
The Columbus Greek Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 11 p.m. Sunday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 N. High St.
While much of the event will be the same, Stathulis said there are a number of safety precautions in place, namely the absence of product vendors. The move was made to make more room for attendees to sit inside and outside the cathedral. Guests will also be encouraged to wear masks as well and sanitation stations will be set up throughout the event.
Tickets cost $5, or $4 for senior citizens, and free for kids younger than 12. Admission is valid for the entire weekend. For more information, call 614-224-9020 or visit columbusgreekfestival.com.