ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. (First Alert 4) – Greek Fest at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church has welcomed people for decades to experience Greek culture through their food, dancing, and faith.
“We grew up with this, this is basically our heritage,†said volunteer baker Carol Maniaci.
Maniaci has spent years making desserts like Baklava or Galaktoboureko for her family and is excited to share her culture with the community.
“We also want to share it with others and I think that's why we do this every year, we are all dedicated, everybody is here every day for weeks and months.â€
She says a lot of the food has been months in the making, freezing some desserts because of the large demand. Others had to be made fresh around the time of the event.
This time of year is a special one for event organizer Stella Afentoullis.
“Generations are working, dancing, and baking, you name it, everyone is helping out,†Afentoullis said.
Afentoullis said she's participated in this event since her childhood and now both of her kids are old enough to proudly help too. The help is appreciated because she expects around 15,000 people throughout the weekend event.
“It's a fundraiser, but at the same time it's a chance for us to preserve our culture in the St. Louis community,†said Afentoullis.
Greek Fest is also happening on Memorial Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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