CLEVELAND — For the 50th time, a Memorial Day Weekend tradition is preparing to kick off in northeast Ohio. 

Thousands of people are expected to immerse themselves in the food and culture of the Tremont Greek Fest at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Cleveland.

It took a lot of work to prepare for the event. 

“All hands on deck,” said Rev. Dean Dimon while scrubbing equipment Thursday, in preparation for the event. “It’s the biggest moneymaker for the community every year.”

It is the first time in two years Dimon and his parishioners have been able to have the celebration of their heritage. 

“We show off our church, we show off our food, our cuisine,” he said. “Our children dancing our dances and I give church tours in the afternoon.”

The church first opened in 1912 and was the first Greek church in Cuyahoga County, he said. Since he was born and raised in Cleveland, he has had a special connection to the church.

“I was baptized here, and I was married in this church, so I’m very proud of what the community has accomplished,” he said. 

Shawn Moshos, the event’s co-chair, has attended services at the church her whole life and said the festival is a way to continue the legacy. 

“We’re very proud of our church,” she said. “We’re proud that it has been standing so long. A lot of churches don’t make it that long.”

Food is a big part of the culture and Nick Semerstidis helped prepare for the crowd. He and other volunteers spent months in the kitchen to hand-make each morsel. 

“Lot of food,” he said. “We’re cooking about 1,300 lamb shanks, a lot of chicken, green beans, rice.”

He said he’s hoping the taste of tradition helps inspire the next generation. 

“They carry the torch,” said Dimon. “When we retire, they get the key to the building.”

Live music, food and fun will be available Friday through Sunday from noon to midnight and Monday from noon to 7 p.m. at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.