Riverside Greek Fest

“Opa!” Although no one seems to know exactly what this Greek expression of jubilance means, you may just be shouting along by the end of Riverside Greek Fest 2013.

The first annual Greek Fest in Riverside, California is being held at St. Andrew Orthodox Christian Church, located at 4700 Canyon Crest Drive. The event will celebrate the Greek culture in our community with authentic cuisine, culture, and history from Greece.

The food will likely prove to be the main attraction, as authentic Greek dishes like Mediterranean gyros, souvlakia, and pastries will be served, among other home-cooked dishes.

After satisfying taste buds, do the same for your ears with live Greek music and a special guest performance by country artist Stephani Rose.

The event will take place Oct. 4 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Oct. 6 from noon to 10 p.m. Admission is five dollars for adults and is free for children. Students with a valid I.D. from UC Riverside, Riverside Community College, or Cal Baptist University get in for just two dollars.

There will be traditional folk dance exhibitions featuring award-winning dance groups throughout Saturday and Sunday, with songs and dances originating from the Greek Islands.

The event is family-friendly, with a Kids Fun Zone featuring activities like the Super Slide, bounce houses, a face-painting booth, and other games. For the picky eaters in the family, hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and ice cream will be available in the Kids Fun Zone.

I want to encourage everyone in Riverside to experience and celebrate Greek culture at Greek Fest 2013. California truly is a melting pot, with so many great traditions and cultures to explore. Don’t miss out on this great weekend event in Riverside!