Palatine to Go Greek This Weekend

Continuing over thirty years of tradition, at the corner of Palatine and Roselle roads will host Greek Fest June 24 to June 26.

“Greek Fest is a three-day celebration of Greek culture – especially food,” said Jim Macnider, administrative coordinator for Saint Nectarios.

The festivities are from 4 p.m. to midnight Friday. On Saturday and Sunday hours are from 3 p.m. to midnight.

While the main attractions are the traditional Greek dishes, Macnider saide there also will be entertainment such as Greek music and games. Still, the top draw is the food.

“Saganaki – flaming cheese,” Macnider said. “Small shish kabobs. The biggest seller is the deep fried ball called louacumabes. They’re like honey-cinnamon donuts.”

With wine and beer, children’s games, music, dancing, and plenty of vendors with drive-thru and carry out, there are plenty of opportunities to get in on the action. There also will be a raffle with a grand prize of $20,000.

Throughout the weekend, free shuttle busses will be available from Harper College and Marion Jordan School.

Macnider said that preparation for Greek Fest is a yearlong task, but that in the last few weeks everything has been put into overdrive.

“It takes about a week to get the large tents up, and then another week after (Greek Fest) to get them down,” Macnider said. “This is a huge event for the church.”

Greek Fest is open to all and welcomes children and seniors. The event will go on as scheduled rain or shine.