Ocean City will go Greek for big annual festival
Take a break from the beach heat and transport yourself to another country as the 29th annual Greek Festival returns to Ocean City.
The Roland E. Powell Convention Center will be transformed into a tour of Greek culture during the last weekend of July. Doors open at noon July 27-29 for an event that Alexandra Hall, promotion coordinator for the Greek Festival, describes as, “a micro Greek experience.”
The convention center will fill up with vendors selling imports, art and jewelry and of course, Greek Food.
“It is a mini-capsule of Greek-ness. The essence of Greece, in the convention center for three days put on by a little church," Hall said. "To know about Greek food, the Greek experience locally, the Greek Festival is what replicates that for people.”
The Greek Festival is a critical fundraiser for the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, according to Hall.
“We have a volunteered staff that love the church and the love of sharing Greek heritage,” she said.
The festival is expected to serve more than 5,000 guests through the weekend. Guests can buy a ticket for "The Best Odds in Town 1:200 chance to win up to $10,000” and win big while supporting the local Greek church.
Families and friends can absorb the Greek culture as they listen and dance to live traditional Greek music by The Golden Flame. The band begins will begin filling the air with music for the opening of the festival until 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. until the end of each day of the festival. 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 p.m. Sunday.
The Boston Lykeion Dance Troupe is a new addition to the 29th year of the Greek Festival and they will come in traditional full costume and do the traditional Greek dances, according to Hall.
“The dance troupe is new to us this year and we are very excited to have them,” she said.
The troupe performs three sets only on Saturday at 4:30, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.. but in Hall's own words the Greek Festival’s real draw is the authentic Greek food.
“The main attraction for the Greek festival is the food. People of all different cultures and ages love the traditional Mediterranean, Greek fair,” Hall said. “Come for the food. Stay for the fun.”
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If you go
What: 29th annual Greek Festival
When: July 27-29, doors open at noon
Where: Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City
Cost: Free admissions and parking, prices vary for food
Contact: See full menu at www.oceancitygreekfestival.com