38th annual Greek Festival

They left the doors to Demetrakas Hall open, so you could smell the Greek sweets in the hall.

It looked like winter in the room, powdered sugar falling like flurries. It was the last Tuesday in August, and the baking had begun.

The 38th annual Cranston Greek Festival will be held over three days — Sept. 6, 7 and 8.

On-site baking started Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 27 and 28, in the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation Social Hall at 175 Oaklawn Ave. in Cranston.

Paul Pliakas waited outside the entrance and provided a brief tour of the social hall baking room. According to his press release, the Cranston Greek Festival marks the “official end of summer in Rhode Island.” The event will be held on the church grounds under the “Big Tents,” rain or shine (and admission is free for all).

The festival kicks off Friday, Sept. 6, from 5 to 10 p.m.; and runs through the next two days, Saturday, Sept. 6, from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 8, from noon to 8 p.m.

Hungry festival attendees can choose from a wide variety of Greek food including roast lamb, Greek-style chicken, souvlaki (skewered pork or chicken), pastitsio (delectable “Greek Lasagna”), spanakopita (“spinach pie”) tiropita (“cheese pie”), according to Pliakas.

“Many of our guests tell us we serve Rhode Island’s best gyros,” festival organizers promise. “Come and judge for yourself! Our pastry booth offers hand-made Greek pastries prepared by teams of our own parishioners, including our famous Baklava, Galaktoboureko and Rice Pudding. The pastry selection also includes karidopita (Greek walnut cake), kourabiedes (Wedding Cookies), koulourakia (Greek butter cookies), and melomakarona (honey cookies). And don’t forget to try our Loukoumades!”

Pliakas explains that Loukoumádes “is a staple of Greek eating, especially in the south of Greece, and is a popular street food served with a combination of honey, cinnamon and walnuts.”

The festival will also provide a sampling of Greek entertainment and culture. Greek dancing performances by Odyssey Dance Troupe have been scheduled for Friday night at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday nights at 4 and 7 p.m.

“These performances are wildly popular, and feature dances from mainland Greece and the Greek Islands,” according to festival organizers. “Live Greek music will be performed throughout the event.”

Don’t be surprised if “spontaneous, impromptu Greek Dancing breaks out.” Pliakas and festival organizers say the eruptions occur constantly throughout the three days of celebration.

“Everyone is invited to join in,” they remind festival-goers.

CONTACT THEM

Contact the church office at 401-942-4188, visit the church’s website at www.annunciationri.org, or visit “Cranston Greek Festival” on Facebook.

WHERE SHOULD YOU PARK?

Free parking is available on the neighborhood streets. Additional parking is available at Cranston West High School. Free Parking shuttle buses run continuously, from Cranston West High School via Curtis Street. Some handicapped parking is available on church grounds. The parking lot shuttle buses run all three days of the Festival, until 30 minutes after closing each day.