Extra space making a world of difference for Greekfest

Troy Shantz When Sarnia’s Greekfest returns to the downtown next month it will celebrate more than local Hellenic culture. The festival running Aug.

Troy Shantz

When Sarnia’s Greekfest returns to the downtown next month it will celebrate more than local Hellenic culture.

The festival running Aug. 4-6 will also embrace Filipino, Irish and other cultural performances as part of Canada’s 150^th birthday.

“Yes it’s Greekfest. Yes it’s going to be Greek food and entertainment. But it wouldn’t be Canada if we didn’t have all of our other multicultural acts as well,” said coordinator Ashley Tanguay.

A new crop of sponsors has allowed the festival to expand onto Christina Street for the first time, Tanguay said. The extra room creates space for a new Kids Zone, a 20-vendor arts and crafts market and an appearance by the Canatara Choo-Choo.

“We’re really trying to grow it this year and we have a lot of things going on for the family and kids during the day,” she said.

Friday features acoustic performances and a DJ offering a mash-up of modern top-40 and traditional Greek tunes.

Saturday will bring Greek dancing along with Filipino and Irish dancers. A fashion show and Zumba presentation are planned and a DJ returns to the stage that night.

Tanguay said more multicultural performances are scheduled for Sunday, as well as a performance by the Sarnia Kitchen Party Band.

And, of course, it wouldn’t be Greekfest without food.

“A lot of the Hellenic community are also restaurateurs, so they work together,” said Tanguay.

“You can expect gyros, chicken and pork souvlaki, the Greek meatballs, as well as your Greek sausages, and things like that.”

Tanguay said when the eleven-year-old festival moved downtown several years ago it gave it a “fresh new face.” She said it also provided room to expand, as they’ve done this year.

City council decided earlier this month to waive all municipal fees, resulting in a savings of just over $3,000 for the festival, which donates proceeds to St. Joseph’s Hospice.

Admission is free but Tanguay said donations are welcomed.

IF YOU GO:

WHAT: Sarnia Greekfest

WHEN: Friday, Aug 4, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday Aug. 5 from 12 noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday Aug. 6 from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Downtown Sarnia, in the Scotiabank parking lot and part of Christina Street.