St. Basil Greek Fest set for next weekend in Troy

TROY, N.Y. » For the 25th year, members of St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church are preparing feverishly for their annual festival, a celebration of authentic Greek food, music, and dance.

The St. Basil Greek Fest starts on Friday, May 31 and ends on Sunday, June 2. Festivities and church tours will be held rain or shine from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, which is located at 909 River St. (Rt. 4) at 101st St., north of downtown Troy.

“The ‘ Best Little Festival in Town’ is a culinary treat, first and foremost, and St. Basil members are particularly proud of the reputation they have earned as having the best Greek food in the tri- city area,” a news release from the church said.

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample homemade Greek dishes, such as souvlaki, moussaka, lamb with potatoes, and pastitsio. A number of ‘mezedes’ ( little tastes) and vegetarian dishes such as stuffed

peppers and spinach pie can be followed by the famous ‘ Never on Sunday’ ice cream or sweets like baklava, kourabiedes, and loukoumathes. Takeout is available.

This three- day family event is made possible by the volunteer efforts of the entire St. Basil community. “A wonderful demonstration of traditions being passed down from old to young, it is not surprising to find three generations of family members combining efforts in the Church kitchen,” the release said.

In addition to Greek cuisine, the festival features traditional dance as well. The Youth of St. Basil, known for their performances at The Festival of Nations, will perform folklore dances from regions of Greece with live music provided by Prometheus Orch throughout the weekend.

Additionally, a Greek Bazaar will feature breads, cookies, crafts, T-shirts, and jewelry while families can relax in a festival setting right by the Hudson River.

Now in its 87th year, St. Basil aims to be not only a religious community, but a cultural center for all the Greek immigrant families of Troy and the surrounding areas.

A $10,000 raffle will also be held at the event.

Festival admission and parking are free.

More information about the upcoming St. Basil Greek Fest is available online at www.stbasiltroy.com and on the “St Basil Greek Festival Troy, NY” Facebook page, or by calling 518-2738923.

FILE PHOTO Allison Polemeropoulos serves up a stuffed pepper at the Troy Greek Festival.

FILE PHOTO The Prometheus Greek Entertainment band performs at the Troy Greek Festival. From left to right are Kiki Vassilakis, Stasi Mantzouris, Evan Fanos and Chris Philip, who plays the Greek bouzouki, an eightstringed guitar-like instrument.

FILE PHOTO Paul Semon, left, and Michael Kalogridis cook chicken and pork souvlaki.