Greek Festival Kicks Off Friday

The aroma of Middle Eastern and Greek food will fill the air this weekend when St. James Orthodox Church kicks off its annual food festival across from the Milpitas library at 6 p.m. Friday.

The celebration will continue through the weekend—Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

This year marks the sixth-annual celebration that mixes Middle Eastern and Greek cultural activities, foods, crafts and dances.

Other activities will include a traditional marketplace on Saturday and Sunday where visitors will have a chance to see and buy a variety of traditional clothing, fabrics, jewelry and religious items from vendors.

Entertainment includes live Greek and Middle Eastern folk dancing, music, games and crafts. Children will have a chance to enjoy a romp in a giant inflatable jump house, paint their faces and work on arts and crafts projects.

But the main attraction, of course, is the food. And there will be plenty of it, representing the best of Arabic and Greek cuisines. Both meat and vegetarian fare will be available along with new and traditional spices and toppings.

A fundraising raffle to benefit church programs will offer visitors a chance to win a 2011 Toyota Camry or a $20,000 cash prize. Raffle tickets will be $10 each.

What: Middle Eastern and Greek Festival

Where: , 195 N. Main St., Milpitas.

Where to park: Free parking across from the church along Main Street and on the third and fourth floors of the Milpitas Library parking garage, at 160 N. Main St. 

Cost: Festival admission is $2 for adults and free to children younger than 12. Some fliers are available at local merchants good for free admission.

Contact: For details, call 408-934-1794 or visit the church festival webpage.