AUTHOR’S NOTE: I went back to the festival in 2016, which you can read about at
https://ohiofestivals.net/tremont-greek-fest-2016/
This post documents my experience on May 28, 2011.
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It had been years since I’d been able to make my way to the Annunciation Church for their Greek festival, usually due to some scheduling conflicts.
And every year that I missed it, I would be reminded of that loss…
…by a colorful balloon that waved at me as I drove along I-90.
But this year, Julia and I went there with a friend…
…only to find that the festival had changed its name.
No longer called the Hellenic Heritage Festival or the Greek Heritage Festival, the Tremont Greek Fest now had its own website….
…and a fresh new look…
…which ended up meaning a lot more people!
(Actually, I can’t prove this connection.)
Two long lines waited on the other side of the church hall…
…as people filled their plates with lamb dinners.
I, myself, thought of getting moussaka, but the $8 charge was twice the amount I paid at the Lorain festival. It was also too long of a line for a few dolmathes (which are superb!).
So we looked over the menu…
…and decided to go out back…
…past the games…
…wonderful music…
…and vendors of Greek statues…
…for a much more bearable line.
Since I didn’t find it often….
…I went with the fried smelt, but it was a bit chewy.
Julia and our friend, on the other hand, got some delicious gyros.
Afterward, we knew we couldn’t leave without some tasty Greek desserts, so we headed back to the hall….
…where Greek children were dancing for adults…
…as puppets were dancing for Greek children.
All the meanwhile, we got in line for the pastries….
…strolling by tables of Greek CD’s, jewelry…
…and groceries…
…until we arrived before this vision of splendor.
It wasn’t long after making our selections….
…that we devoured them mercilessly.