Holy Taxiarhai and St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church will put on its annual Big Greek Food Fest of Niles July 14-16, offering homemade Greek fare, music, dancing and cooking classes.
The event, which will take place at the church on the 7300 block of North Caldwell Avenue, is free to attend but donations are welcome, according to church information.
Fr. Tilemahos Alikakos said the event was an “opportunity for us to come together and provide hospitality for the people of Niles.”
While “everybody comes there for the terrific food,” Alikakos said the festival would also feature performances by the Chicago band Rythmos and a trio of dance troupes from around Chicagoland.
Parishioners will also offer cooking classes, he said: “we have absolutely the best cooks.”
Those cooks have been working for some time to prepare the homemade offerings the festival is known for, he added.
“We’ve been cooking for weeks, it’s like a factory,” he said. “To watch this up close has been very special.”
Those offerings will include well-known Greek fare like moussaka, an eggplant casserole with ground meat and bechamel sauce, and baklava, a flaky honey and nut dessert pastry, though Alikakos said those who aren’t as familiar with Greek cuisine may also enjoy trying pastitsio, or Greek lasagna, and octopus. Loukoumathes, which are a Greek donut, are also popular.
The event will also feature a raffle with a first prize worth $10,000, per church information.
Fest-goers may also view the church’s interior, which features numerous icons.
Those interested in volunteering at the event may contact Anna Prekas at 847-361-2936 or email at [email protected]
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, according to information on the church’s website.The festival will take place on church grounds, 7373 N. Caldwell, Niles. Free parking is available at designated lots within one to two blocks. Festival hours are:
July 14, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
July 15, 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.
July 16, 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.