Here in Sioux City, this is one of the most anticipated events all year! Everyone knows about Greek Fest, and everyone raves about the food and bake sale. If you’ve never had Greek food, you
Here in Sioux City, this is one of the most anticipated events all year! Everyone knows about Greek Fest, and everyone raves about the food and bake sale. If you’ve never had Greek food, you are missing out.
101 years and going strong
Built in 1918, the Holy Trinity is the oldest and largest Orthodox Church building in all of Iowa. Before 1918, Greek Orthodox Christians had to travel an hour south to Omaha, Nebraska just to attend services.
Celebrating its 101st anniversary of Greek Fest, Holy Trinity opens its doors to Siouxland residents. Allowing them to sample authentic homemade food of the Greek culture, watch traditional Greek dancing, and tour the inside sanctuary of the Orthodox Church.
Gyros and more!
When we first walked into the parking lot were immediately greeted and provided a program for the weekend events schedule. We walked around the concession stands organizing our plan of action, what were we going to try first?!
This is my fourth time going, and every year I find something new on their menu that I have to order. My husband and I arrived right at 11am when they opened. We bought their Dolmades (stuffed olive leaves) and Souvlaki (pork shish kabobs). Additionally, my husband purchased a traditional gyro, which he did not share!
the beauty of the Greek Orthodox church
After walking around outside, we went inside to check out the sanctuary. Last year we took the half-hour tour of the church and learned about its 2000 year-old history, but this time we went up on our own. It is truly majestic. After a fire nearly demolished the church in 1996, reconstruction started soon after to renovate this historic building. They even got some help directly from Greece, Steve Kavroulakis, a woodcarver from Crete, hand-built the alter you see here.
bake sale!
Migrating down to the basement to check out the bake sale, on our radar was, of course, Baklava (pistachio, almond dessert). And just like last year, we grabbed a variety pack for my mother-in-law who lives for Greek food.
Also, in the basement is where you can purchase your Greek Festival souvenirs, t-shirts, homemade salad dressing, and imported Greek goods.
dancing
Stay around and watch the dancers! There are children and adults all in traditional Greek dress performing century old dances of their culture. Make sure you check out the dance times on their website (http://www.holytrinity.ia.goarch.org/greek-fest-2/) so you can plan ahead.
already planning for next year
Anticipating next year’s Greek Fest, and what new menu items we’re looking forward to trying, I hope you are as excited as me to continue supporting this deep-rooted community and culture.
If you missed this year’s festival, you’re in luck, you don’t have to wait an entire year to experience Greek culture and food. Check out their facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Holy-Trinity-Greek-Orthodox-Church-Sioux-City-Iowa/193491470661244). The church has a Gyro Fest in May, and numerous bake sales throughout the year, so you can get your Baklava fix.
Hope to see you next year! Opa!