Community Corner
Church Transformed Into Mini-Greek Town For Festival
It's the 41st annual event hosted by Castro Valley's Greek Orthodox Church of the Resurrection and it will be held Aug. 24 through 26.
One of Castro Valley's best-loved traditions returns the weekend of Aug. 24 through 26 when holds its 41st Annual Greek Festival.
The Greek Orthodox congregation of 200 families stages the popular event each year which draws attendees throughout the East Bay and beyond.
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This year's festival takes place at the church located at 20104 Center St., Castro Valley.
On Friday, Aug. 24, the event will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25 its hours are 12 to 10 p.m. and on closing day, Sunday, Aug. 26, doors will be open from 12 to 7 p.m.
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Admission to the event is free. There is free parking at the church and overflow parking is available at nearby at 19722 Center St. There will be a free shuttle transporting festival goers from the middle school to the festival entrance. You can click here for driving directions.
Festival known for its delicious authentic food
Once again the fair will feature authentic Mediterranean cuisine lovingly prepared by parishoners using family recipes passed down from generations.
Some of the menu items featured this year will include roasted lamb, Greek roasted chicken, Gyros, Spanakopita (spinich pie in Filo dough), Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), Greek meatballs, Calamari and much more including a wide variety of pastries. Click here to see a comprehensive menu of food, drinks and pastries being sold.
In addition to the large dining area there will also be two taverns serving Greek beer, wines and specialty drinks along with a Greek coffee house serving pastries.
Live Greek music, performances and dance lessons offered
Greek folkdancing performances by award-winning dancers and free Greek dance lessons will be held during the festival. Live music will be provided by the Mythos Greek Band. You can see photographs and a video clip of past years' performances by clicking here. There will also be activities for children.
Shop in the expanded marketplace this year
An array of vendors will be selling merchandise including costume jewelry, Icons, books, imported gifts, white elephant treasures and more. You can see pictures from marketplaces from past years here. This year's sales floor is said to be bigger and better than ever.
Sponsorship opportunities available
The church is still looking for sponsors who would like to sponsor a booth at the event, help underwrite it in some other way or donate goods for it. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, click here.
Festival schedule being firmed up
The exact schedule of the weekend's events has not yet been finalized. Check the festival's website for updates.
For more information about the festival, you can call 510-581-8950.
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