MILWAUKEE — Greek Fest is underway at State Fair Park in West Allis. It’s the festival’s 58th year of celebrating the Greek culture and its church.
Greg Papachristou is the co-chairman of Greek Fest. He said he wants festival goers to experience true Greek hospitality.
“Love for your neighbor, is what the Greeks, have always had as a staple, is their ethos really, so when folks come into other people’s homes, there is a Greek saying, there is room for everybody in the house but the devil,” said Papachristou.
He said the food at the festival is a huge draw, especially the chicken.
“People come for the chickens without a doubt, like I said earlier, people will come with coolers, they will buy in bulk, they freeze them, they freeze really well and then will enjoy them throughout the year,” said Papachristou.
Grace Busse has been a volunteer at Greek Fest for 50 years. She said she the festival started small at the Greek Orthodox church on 92nd and Congress in Milwaukee.
“We have a booth that we put up every year, it’s called the Orthodox experience booth, and it’s very popular, and people will talk about our faith, they’ll talk about the traditions of our church, and the people in that booth are really passionate,” she said.
It’s a passion Papachristou is excited to share with the community during the festival. He said he just has one wish for this year’s celebration.
“Just everyone that comes has a great time, a full belly and leaves, being really excited about being Greek for a day,” he said.
Admission is free at Greek Fest. It runs from June 23-25.