Greek food celebrated at annual Spring Fest

The second annual Panaghia of Island Park Greek Orthodox Church Spring Fest drew in hungry parishioners and residents of Island Park this past weekend from May 11 to 14. On the menu was common Greek staples such as pork and chicken Slovakia, lamb on sticks, spanakopita, moussaka, pasticcio, with additional pastries like honey puff balls.

Although the church’s main festival is in in August, the community asked for more opportunities throughout the year to eat the delicious meals cooked by church volunteers. Priest George Kazoulis said he was, “excited for the second time, that I see more people (than last year). They asked to have Greek food more times a year because they really like the food.”

He said, “the food is the big attraction in the festival,” and expressed gratitude to the volunteers who helped create the delightful dishes, “I’m grateful for all the people that volunteer their work here, they are working in their jobs and after they come here to volunteer for many hours.”

Mary Makros was one of those volunteers and has been attending the church for 34 years. She said, “I love the community. I love the church. So far, I never really miss the festival. We love to be here; we’re having a good time.”