September 5, 6 & 7 

The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
500 Belmonte Park North
Dayton, Ohio 

The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church presents GREEK FESTIVAL 2008 on Friday, September 5; Saturday, September 6; and Sunday, September 7.  The FESTIVAL is held on the Church grounds at 500 Belmonte Park North, next to the Dayton Art Institute. 

FESTIVAL guests will enjoy traditional ethnic specialties such as moussaka, pastitsio, dolmades and the great gyro sandwich, which is available in traditional, vegetarian or chicken varieties.  Exquisite Greek pastries, breads, cheese and spinach pies and honey puffs are highlights you won’t want to miss, and the Greek coffee in the Kafenion is a must if you’re having any of the dessert features.  On the lighter side, the Taverna serves a delicious variety of Greek hors d’oeuvres and specialty salads, along with imported beer and wines.  The Opa! Bar and Grill will serve Greek pizza, Greek fries and Greek beer and wines. 

Food concessions will open at 11:00am on Friday to serve lunch, and will remain open throughout the afternoon and evening.  Downtown workers are invited to spend their lunch hour on the FESTIVAL grounds, then return throughout the weekend with family and friends.  Folks who wish to avoid longer lines will want to visit the FESTIVAL in the early afternoon hours on any of its three days. 

The GREEK FESTIVAL features live Greek folk music and costumed dance groups, and guests are invited to join in the dancing following a demonstration.  Tours of the beautiful Church include a short presentation on the Eastern Orthodox faith. Shoppers in the Import Boutique will browse through a variety of cobalt pottery, hand crafted items, clothing, religious items, gold and silver jewelry and the popular Greek fishermen’s caps.  Visitors who would like to recreate the great foods and pastries they enjoyed at the FESTIVAL will want to pick up a copy of “A Festival of Recipes” a cookbook compiled by members of the Church Community,  available in the Import Boutique. 

FESTIVAL 2008’s Cultural Exhibit will feature the history and traditions of the Eastern Orthodox faith.

Outdoors on the north side of the Church is the area of the FESTIVAL grounds set aside for families.   Kids will enjoy special activities and refreshments in the “Zorba Kid’s Zone.”  The Never on Sundae booth offers soft-serve ice cream covered with delicious baklava topping as well as ice cream cones. 

For those who want to stay cool, try the delicious roast lamb dinner which is served inside the air-conditioned Main Church Hall.  The dinners feature lamb shanks slow-roasted in a flavorful sauce, served with rice pilaf, Greek-style vegetables, a Greek salad and crusty bread.

ADMISSION to GREEK FESTIVAL 2008 is FREE and FREE SHUTTLE BUS service will be available beginning at 5:00pm on Friday from the corner of First and Wilkinson Streets in Downtown Dayton (PMI Parking Lot), with shuttles running continuously throughout FESTIVAL hours. 

Join us for a delightful weekend of great food, fine entertainment, and warm Greek hospitality at DAYTON’S BEST LOCAL FESTIVAL - Rain or shine!

                            FESTIVAL HOURS    

                   Friday, Sept. 5 - 11am to 11pm
                        Saturday, Sept. 6 - 11am to 11pm
                    Sunday, Sept. 7 - 11am to 6pm