SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — It will be Koftos and Gyros galore once again at St. Sophia’s Greek Cultural Festival, which celebrates 50 years this weekend.

The festival will be held from June 8 to June 11 on the church grounds located at 325 Waring Road in DeWitt.

This year will be marked with special events to celebrate St. Sophia’s 50th annual festival.

Highlights include the following:

  • Thursday, June 8, 5:00 p.m. “Olympic-Style” Opening Ceremonies
  • Saturday, June 10, 6:00 p.m. 50th Anniversary Proclamation and Honoring Past Chairpersons Ceremony ” 
  • Saturday, June 10, 6:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.  Greek Dance Group Alumni Dance
  • New Vendor – Olive Oil booth – Location across from the Book Store and YiaYia’s Treasures

Attendees can try a full variety of authentic Greek foods and desserts which loyal festival-goers have come to enjoy over the years.

“We are excited and eager to once again celebrate our Greek culture and heritage with
our community,” said Parish Council President Peter Manolakos.

Not only will there be amazing food but live Greek music and dance performances that will take
place under the outdoor “taverna” tent.

For those 21 and older, specialty Greek wine-tasting classes and seminars on modern Greece will be offered daily as well.

Patrons will also have the chance to learn a Greek dance, take a tour of the church’s iconography project and shop for clothing, jewelry and books in the Greek village marketplace.

St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church has a rich history, founded in 1917, the church is the center of the religious, social and cultural life of its parish and host to every festival for the last 50 years.

To kick off the festival, a special opening ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 8, with local dignitaries present to commemorate this momentous year.

The event is free to attend and park. Complimentary shuttles are available from neighboring
school parking lots.

Wine, Beer and Spirit tasting session

This year’s festival will include five sessions, with limited seating, sharing hints of information on Modern Greece as attendees go through tastings.

Attendees can try wine beer and spirits from all around Greece. It all starts with an ouzo cocktail called Roaring Greek Tiger, then a choice of the Santorini Beers, Gentilini Notes White, Apla Rose, Red 2021 Kompos Red and then finishing with the Bold Greek, coffee, ouzo cocktail.

More information is available on St. Sophia’s website.