By: Alyssa Ochss | St. Clair Shores Sentinel | Published August 11, 2024
ST. CLAIR SHORES — Eventgoers can “be Greek for a day,” celebrating Greek culture and art by attending the GreekFest in St. Clair Shores.
The festival runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 15, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 16, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 17, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 18. The event is held at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church at 21800 Marter Road.
Tom Thomas, GreekFest co-chair, said folks can expect excellent Greek food, entertainment and festivities.
“It’ll be an exciting four days,” Thomas said.
According to a press release, Braylon Edwards, University of Michigan wide receiver, is the guest of honor, and will be available to sign autographs and take photos from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 17.
“Join us for this captivating celebration where community, culture, and sports legends unite. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, as this event is expected to draw a significant crowd,” the release said. “For more information about the festival, visit assumptionfestival.com.”
Enigma Detroit is playing at the festival this year. The lead singer, Niko Varlamos, is a member of the church and a chanter.
Thomas said the Ladies Philoptochos Society will be making pastries for the festival. They will be serving a variety of traditional Greek pastries and others, including honey balls called Loukoumades.
The festival will include a raffle featuring monetary prizes and jewelry. First place will win $10,000 and second place will win a signature Ahee diamond pendant valued at $3,600, donated by Ahee Jewelers. Third prize will win $500, and fourth, fifth and sixth place will win $200.
Thomas said a marketplace will be available for eventgoers to browse through, featuring goods from Greece, the United States and other places.
“There’s some wonderful shopping in the marketplace, and as Tom mentioned they’re from all over the country as well as all over the world,” said Joan DeRonne, administrator of the Assumption Cultural Center.
She went on to say products available for purchase include clothing, jewelry and more.
DeRonne said there will also be a raffle in the marketplace.
Activities available for children to enjoy include magic shows, rides, puppet shows, jugglers, balloon artists and more.
“Parents can sit and watch their kids and take a break from their own fun,” DeRonne said.
“It’s a festival for all ages, too,” Thomas said. “It’s got something for everyone.”
DeRonne said there will be a pop-up exhibit from the Hellenic Museum of Michigan in the Hellenic room inside the church. The exhibit will show the history of the Olympics from the ancient games to their rebirth in Athens in 1896 to modern times.
“That will be a nice tie-in right now with all the Olympic games to see from the modern era now from 1896,” DeRonne said.
DeRonne went on to say the exhibit will highlight the Olympic spirit and the continuity of the games. The exhibit is called “Olympic Echoes: Athens 2004 and the Ancient Games Legacy.”
Also available to view is an art exhibit with works from “Greek culture and artistic traditions” DeRonne said.
According to a press release, the festival draws the attention of over 10,000 eventgoers. DeRonne called it a giant class reunion, saying it brings friends, family and neighbors together.
“It’s a wonderful time in the community itself,” DeRonne said.
Thomas said eventgoers are excited to be there at the festival and enjoy everything it has to offer.
“Everything is just a wonderful, wonderful weekend,” Thomas said. “Our church enjoys putting it on for the community and, of course, it helps with our community programs and church programs as well.”