Renowned Iconographer Featured at Assumption Greek Festival: 6 Things to Know

ST. CLAIR SHORES, MI — The annual festival celebrating the Greek ethnicity of many Metro Detroit residents returns to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in St. Clair Shores, Aug. 18-21.

The annual Assumption Greek Festival, a favorite of many in Metro Detroit residents, includes Greek food, entertainment and other cultural attractions.

Among the entertainers are Hellenic Society of the Performing Arts, Jr. Hellenic Society of the Performing Arts, Omega Dancers, Alpha Dancers and the children who attend Greek School.

Here are six more things to know about the festival:

When and Where: All activities take place at the church, located at 21800 Marter Road. Hours are 4-10 p.m. Thursday; 3-11 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. The grand raffle drawing takes place at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. The grand prize is a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica lease from Jim Riehl Friendly Auto Group plus $1,000 expenses from Subway and two airline tickets to anywhere in the U.S. courtesy of Cosmopolitan Travel.

Youth Activities: At the youth activities tent and area, find games, magicians, balloons, cotton candy tattoos, face painting, climbing walls, inflatables, bungee jumps, carnival rides, a petting zoo and carnival rides.

Marketplace: Find authentic merchandise from Greece and more here, including clothing, artwork, jewelry, religious items and baked goods.

Iconography Tour: A highlight of the Greek Festival will be a visit from world renowned iconographer Vlasis Tsotsonis, who was commissioned by the church to restore the artwork destroyed in a 2002 fire.
Cultural Exhibit: The cultural exhibit will be held in the new Hellenic Room in collaboration with the Detroit Institute of Arts. It tells the oral histories of the Greek immigrant story through the oral histories of parishioners who immigrated to America. In addition, Macomb Community College will present a Hellenic journey from Byzantium to modern Greece with Dr. Lena Hatzichronoglou. Interactive activities will be offered as well.

Tickets and Parking: Admission is $2, free for children under 12. Parking is free, with both shuttle and valet services provided for a nominal donation.

More information is found here.