47th Annual Greek Fest At State Fair Park

2012 GREEK FEST SET FOR JUNE 22, 23, 24 AT STATE FAIR PARK

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47^th Annual Church Festival offers free admission, Greek food and desserts, music, dancing, rides and fun

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church today announced that it will host the 2012 Annual Greek Fest on Friday, June 22, Saturday, June 23, and Sunday, June 24 at Wisconsin State Fair Park.  Festival hours on Friday and Saturday will be from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  This free, family-oriented event, now in its 47^th year, hosts thousands of guests each summer who come to enjoy delicious Greek foods, ethnic entertainment, cultural displays, Greek music and dancing, children’s rides and more.

“We are excited to host the 47^th Annual Greek Fest, and we look forward to another successful year,” said Father Angelo Artemas of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.  “Hosting this free family event is a wonderful way for us to share our Greek culture and heritage with the community.”

Guests at this year’s festival can enjoy their favorite Greek foods, such as the famous Greek chicken, gyros, saganaki (flaming cheese), souvlaki (shish kebob) and roasted lamb dinners.  In addition, there will be a dessert section with homemade Greek pastries, including baklava, loukoumades (honey puffs) and various Greek sweets. 

Throughout the festival, guests will be entertained by authentic Greek music performed by Panopoulos of Chicago. The Hellenic Dancers, an adult group sponsored by the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, will perform every day of the festival, as will the children’s dance group.  Games and rides for children of all ages will be available as well.  This year’s festival will include an expanded market and cultural area filled with products, artifacts and goods from Greece, as well as displays of additional items detailing Greek culture and Orthodox traditions. The festival will also feature a performance by the popular regional band Sweet Tarts on Saturday, June 23, at 7:00 p.m.

“This free festival is open to the public, and everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the best Greek food, culture and entertainment in the area,” said Matt Taras, festival co-chairman.  “Our festival has become popular with people throughout Southeast Wisconsin and beyond who come each year for incredible Greek food and family fun.  We invite everyone to join us at Greek Fest 2012.”

The mission of Greek Fest is to provide funding to support the ministries of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and its community outreach efforts.  The festival, which is the Church’s largest community event, is managed by volunteers and celebrates traditional Greek culture and heritage.  For updates on the Church festival, visit the Greek Fest social media sites: www.milwaukeegreekfest.com,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVvE-Gm0iy4&feature=plcp, @GreekFestMKE on Twitter and the Milwaukee Greek Fest Facebook page.

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Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church was designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1956 and completed in 1961.  It is famous for its large blue dome and unique architecture and is visited by people from around the world on a regular basis.  More information about Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church can be found at www.annunciationwi.com.