Drive-up Greek food is great, but nothing quite substitutes for the sights, sounds, and camaraderie of the annual St. Nicholas Greek Festival, back in person this Labor Day Weekend.
“We’re looking forward to seeing our patrons face to face,” says Carol Kamburis, an executive committee member and PR director for the St. Nicholas Greek Festival. “Our patrons did a great job at staying loyal and supporting us during the pandemic. But Greeks like to be around people!”
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During the past two years, the festival changed to a curbside, drive-through format at the church’s Family Life Center in Town and Country while taking pandemic precautions. This year, the whole shebang is back at the 105-year-old St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (4967 Forest Park Avenue) in the Central West End.
The kickoff party is from 5–9 p.m. Friday. On Saturday morning, city dignitaries from the fire and police departments, as well as the mayor’s office, will officially open the festival. And the band Mediterranean Soul plays throughout the weekend. Visitors can get plate dinners or order a la carte savory items, sips from the bar, and sample a wide array of Greek pastry.
Guests can also tour the historic church. “People can tour our church and learn a bit more about our faith,” Kamburis says. “The architecture and iconography are really beautiful.”
The gift shop will be open as well. It stocks imported olive oil, vinegar, salt, and salad dressing (which Kamburis recommends as a marinade), as well as Greek jewelry and festival T-shirts.
All of the programming is either in the air conditioning or under tents. Admission and parking in the Laclede Garage are free.
Says Kamburis, “Come down and be Greek for a day!”
The 105th Annual St. Nicholas Greek Festival runs 5–9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday. Admission is free.
