Greek Festival set in Upland

UPLAND - It's Greek to everyone. That's the whole idea.

St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 1391 Chaffee St., is hosting its 11th annual Greek Festival next weekend.

Hours will be 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and noon to 10 p.m. Aug. 28 and 29.

Admission to the festivities is $2, with children 12 and younger admitted free. There are additional food costs.

Organizers have plenty of fun planned including Greek food, food demonstrations, children's games, Greek dancing and church tours. Parking will be available on Ninth Street between Campus and Grove avenues.

"The Greek Festival is an annual cultural event for the community, providing some of the traditional tastes and sounds of Greece. The event features traditional Greek mandolin music played by a Greek band, Greek food favorites such as gyros, souvlakia (skewered lamb) and marinated chicken breast," said Fernando Pla, parishioner who helps with festival communications and church tours.

"Topping things off are the unique homemade sweets - apricot bars, baklava, cream-filled pastries, Greek sugar cookies and Greek doughnuts."

All the fun has been going on for more than a decade because it's a family event, he said.

"Besides music, visitors can shop at various vendor booths that line the grounds. The children enjoy the large inflatable slides and bouncers, all of which are monitored by professional staff. There also is a guided tour of the church building, presenting a glimpse into the rich 2,000-year history of the Orthodox Christian Church," he said.

The festival serves as a link between the church, the parish it serves and the surrounding community. It also helps raise money for various nonprofits including the House of Ruth, which helps Inland Valley battered women and children, and others who serve those in need.

Some of the proceeds, too, will help offset major operating expenses including the renovation of the church's interior that was damaged by a 2009 fire.

"The Greek Festival is so successful because visitors feel transported to another part of the world, one known for its relaxed and festive atmosphere," Pla said. "The music is continuous and the food is reasonably priced. Parents like the secure environment in which their children can freely play."

For more information about the festival, call 909-941-1265.