Greek Fest 2011 June 24-26 in Palatine

The St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church of Palatine, will present its annual Greek Fest 2011 Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 24-26. Picnic hours include Friday 4 p.m. to midnight and Saturday and Sunday 3 p.m. to midnight.

The church is at the corner of Palatine and Roselle roads, in Palatine. The picnic will be held rain or shine. Admission is $2 per person, free for children 12 years and younger. There will be an ATM on-site.

Parking on-site is limited. There is free shuttle service available 6 p.m. to midnight Friday; 5 p.m. to midnight Saturday; 5 to 11 p.m. Sunday from the Harper College west lot, Algonquin and Roselle roads, and Marion Jordan School, Palatine and Harrison Avenue.

This Greek Fest has been a celebration of Greek hospitality and culture for more than 30 years. Every summer, Greek Fest attracts thousands of guests who experience the fun, sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the Greek culture.

It is the largest single fundraising event for St. Nectarios and assists in off setting the costs of running the parish. The event features a Grand Raffle First Prize of $20,000.

Authentic Greek foods and pastries will be available and a Greek Taverna will serve Greek wines and beer. There will be tender pork shish-ka-bobs, gyros, Greek sausages, pastichio (Greek lasagna) salad, saganaki (flaming cheese), spinach and cheese puffs. Prices range from $4-$9.

For the sweet tooth, an assortment of Greek pastries will be available and include loukoumades — made on the premises. Loukoumades are small honey cakes, similar to doughnut holes, fried and dipped in warm honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. They are served hot.

The whole family can participate in Greek dancing and music, games for the kids and shopping at the unique vendors outside on the picnic grounds. Music will include: Friday, the American band Exit 147, and Saturday and Sunday Greek classics and modern hits from Hellas 2000. The St. Nectarios Greek School Dance Troupe will entertain Saturday and Sunday evenings as well.

A convenient drive through will be available off Roselle Road for customers not able to stay for the fun but wish to enjoy the foods.

Drive through hours are 4-9:30 p.m. Friday and 3-9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Visa, MasterCard and debit cards will be accepted.

For information, call the church office at (847) 359-5170 or visit stnectariosgoc.org.