Get to the Greek fest

The Aegean Duo will perform bouzouki music at the Ocala Greek Festival. [Credit: Courtesy of St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church]

Around 150,000 people of Greek origin live in Florida, according to Hellenes Abroad.

Greek culture and history have inspired our way of life around the world, from our democracy to theater to poetry, mathematics, sports and philosophy. Greeks have also taught us a thing or two about pleasure too, from the tales of Dionysus to Zorba the Greek and too many poets and musicians to mention in one place.

The vibrant tradition of Grecian revelry lives on at Belleview’s 2022 Greek Food, an annual tradition happening again this weekend, Feb. 25-27. The fest features Mediterranean food faves, dancing, live music, kid fun and more spread out across the St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church campus.

The church has grown from a mission with services conducted in Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in 2001 to constructing its own Orthodox church in 2010. Over the past two decades, the annual festival has grown from a half-day event to a three-day all-out celebration.

Friday’s festivities will include a presentation of the flag by Belleview High School Color Guard. An opening prayer will be given by Father Gabriel Gadah before welcoming remarks by Mayor Christine Dobkowski.

Bring the kids on Saturday and Sunday to participate in free children’s activities and games. Face painting and balloon animals add to the fun. Parishioners will lead dances on a dancefloor while indoor and outdoor tavernas serve Greek wine, beer and ouzo. Also onstage, the Aegean Duo will surely get toes tapping with their spirited bouzouki music.

A lottery drawing allows attendees to support the church while winning cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and $250.

Throughout the event chapel tours and performances from traditional Greek dancers will also be featured.

For many, hearty, aromatic Greek food will be the main draw at St. Mark’s annual festival. Expect to savor the aroma of gyros, Greek-style chicken, roast legs of lamb, pork souvlaki, moussaka, pastitsio, spanokopita, baklava, Greek coffee and more.

Proceeds from the event will go to several area charities and community programs including Operation Shoebox, Shriners Children’s Hospital and Interfaith Services.

Typically, volunteers pull in around $80,000 with around half going to operation costs and 10 percent of the profits allocated to local and regional nonprofits. ROTC students from Belleview High School and Lake Weir High will be assisting workers at the festival. The church also provides backpacks for Belleview Santos Elementary students through Interfaith Services.

“Last year, we just had a mini-fest with takeout food because of COVID-19,” said George Frangos, church president. “This year, folks can expect a full-blown food festival. We usually get more than 5,000 people coming through.”

Admission is a $2 donation; parking is free. Credit Cards are accepted, and an ATM accommodates cash needs.

The 2022 Greek Food Festival will be held at the Father George Papadeas Community Center at St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church, 9926 SE 36th Ave., Belleview, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 25-26, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 27. Call (352) 245-0499.