St. Nick's Big Fat Greek Fest Features Food, Dancing, Kids Games

OAK LAWN, IL -- Fifty-three years after firing up the first Athenian chicken, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church's Greek Fest returns to Oak Lawn this weekend June 15 and June 16. This gem of a fest celebrates Greek heritage and features traditional food, live music (traditional and rock), raffles and carnival games. (Sunday, June 16 also happens to be Father’s Day, so treat your pop to a delicious Greek lunch.)

St. Nick's Greek Fest is a summer tradition and features some of the best cuisine of outdoor festivals in the south suburbs. The St. Nicholas Ladies Philoptochos Society has food prep down to a science. Not even when the Great Microburst of 2011 knocked down the tents and equipment, unflappable parishioners were able to put everything back together and be open for business in the evening.

The St. Nick's ladies will be making their famous baklava, featured on WGN's "Chicago's Best,," with a dedicated crack grill team firing up the shish kabob.

"Our food is made by parishioners," said Georgia Christakes, president of the parish council. "The shish kabob and chicken is marinated with an old secret recipe and is considered the holy grail."

Festgoers can enjoy plates full of tasty souvlaki, Greek chicken, gyros, pastitsio ("Greek lasagna"), spanakopita, Greek pastries and more. Two bars will be available to serve up libations. St. Nick’s Greek quesadillas, introduced in 2018, will also be returning this year.

"It's a tortilla folded over with a little feta, tomatoes, spinach and mozzarella," Christakes said. "It’s a winner."

Capture the ambience of Greece? Plan a meet-up with friends and enjoy a Frappé in the beautiful Kafeneion (Greek cafe).

Live bands are featured every night of the fest, including the ultimate 1970s tribute band Strung Out (Saturday, June 15); and Chicago Greek Band Rythmos (Sunday, June 16). There will also be plenty of chances to "dance Greek" to performances by the St. Nicholas Junior Dance Troupe and Hellenic folk dance troupe Parabiosis.

On Saturday, June 15, a $1,000 raffle prize will be pulled at 10 p.m. A grand raffle prize of $5,000 will be pulled at 9 p.m. Sunday, June 16, along with second and third cash prizes of $2,000 and $1,000. Raffle tickets are $25 each, or a book of 5 for $100. Winners need not be present.

Also featured are church tours of the outstanding St. Nicholas Byzantine iconography. Kids can jump around inside bouncy houses and play carnival games.

"I think the best part about our Greek Fest is everyone in our parish comes together and works side by side to put together this wonderful event," Christakes said. "We enjoy doing it which comes across to our patrons. We love watching our excitement translate to guests."

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church is located at 10301 S. Kostner (103rd Street/Kostner), Oak Lawn. Greek Fest hours are 5 to 11 p.m. June 15; 4 to 11 p.m. June 16; and 2 to 10 p.m. June 17 (it's Father's Day, take your dad). For more information call 708-636-5460.

~ Photos courtesy of Georgia Christakes