St. George’s Mediterranean Festival coming up
A little bit of Greece returns to Niagara

by Terry Duffy
July 13, 2006

Summer’s here and Buffalo-Niagara is once again getting into the festival scene in big fashion.

One event that saw a very successful debut last year is just around the corner. It’s the second annual Mediterranean Festival, presented by the community of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 1073 Sanders Settlement Road in the Town of Lewiston. It will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 14-16, on the church grounds.

Like last year’s fest, which brought a little bit of Greece to the Niagara scene, this one will again offer all that and more for the hundreds expected. Included will be festive entertainment, a kids’ park, weekend backgammon, craft and jewelry offerings, a tearoom and more. It’s a happening that has appeal literally for visitors of all ages.

Cultural dancing demonstrations abound at the Mediterranean Fest.

‘Bigger and Better’

“Last year’s event was such a success, we’re making this year’s bigger and better,” remarked Richard Chown, St. George’s Parish Council president.

Throughout the weekend visitors may partake in such Greek culinary delights as falafel, Peach Festival souvlaki, stuffed grape leaves, Greek and Lebanese pastries, homemade breads, hummus, taboulis, spinach pies, and kibbee. There will also be a variety of refreshments available, including specialty coffees and a beer tent on site.

That’s not all. Visitors will also find live Mediterranean music, ethnic and cultural exhibits and demonstrations, cultural dancing demonstrations including debke dancing, a Byzantine icon display, plus a resident iconographer on the grounds throughout the three-day fest. Other activities include the aforementioned Kids’ Village, a basket auction, church tours, daily cash prizes up to $1,000 in value and numerous vendors on site.

Now in its second year, the St. George’s Mediterranean Fest, like the legendary Greek Hellenic Festival, held each May at the Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Buffalo, is truly one of Greek and Middle Eastern culture at its finest. Conceptualized last year as a celebration of the inspirational ministry of the Very Rev. Father George Aswad, long-time church pastor of St. George’s who marks his 41st year in 2006, the Mediterranean Festival is an entertaining event for the entire family to enjoy.

Helping Out Others

But what makes this one stand out over other similar such cultural happenings in the area is its intent on helping out residents in the Niagara County community. With the region’s unfortunate distinction of having one of the highest heart mortality rates in the nation, church officials, recognizing the value of having both The Heart of Niagara at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and the Cardiac Center at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center nearby, announced that the proceeds from this expanded festival will benefit both operations.

“The goal of the festival is to extend the presence of the church into the community,” said Chown. “A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will benefit The Heart Center of Niagara … and the Neighborhood Health Center of Mount St. Mary’s Hospital.”

According to the Rev. Paul Solberg, church pastor, and Chown, St. George’s views its helping of others through Festival proceeds as yet another way of extending its presence in the Niagara community. With St. George’s commemorating its 80th anniversary this year, the Mediterranean Festival is viewed both as a celebration and a means of aiding the community.

“Many family members and friends have suffered from heart related diseases,” said Chown. “It is extremely important that our parish of St. George recognize the dedication and expertise of our local hospitals. Many lives have been saved as a result of their efforts to provide ‘state of the art’ medical treatment facilities.”

The finest in Greek culinary delights is one of many enjoyable
attractions found at the Mediterranean Festival.

Giving Back

“We have a deep love and concern for the city that was so generous to our founding members and their families,” remarked Solberg, on St. George’s decades-long presence in Niagara. “We are dedicated to improve the lives of the people here.”

Chown agreed. “Therefore, a portion of all proceeds will be donated to Niagara Falls Memorial’s Heart Center and Mount St. Mary’s Hospital,” Chown said. “This a token of our appreciation for the dedication and services provided to not only our parish family, but also the entire community of Western New York.”

Rain or shine, the Mediterranean Festival promises to be another enjoyable affair for area residents. By attending it, you’ll be further helping St. George’s in its endeavor of helping out others.

For more information on the Fest, contact Solberg or Chown at 297-2668.