Father Jarred Russell led the tent full of attendees in prayer in between performances given by the local youth of the parish. A live band led them in traditional Greek dancing. This is the second year the Yassou dancers used costumes made and delivered from Greece.

“I think my favorite part of (the festival) is the community,” Russell said.

Appealing to the broader section of the community is important to the parish. The Yassou Festival seems to be successful in that endeavor as Russell says he hears people every year say they look forward to the event annually.

“We support our ministries through this,” Russell said.

Organizer Alexis Singleton (back) claps and cheers along as her Yassou dancers put on a performance for the crowd attending the 36th annual Yassou Festival at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Singleton danced in the first Yassou Festival and now teaches traditional dancing to the new generation. P-J photo by Eric Zavinski

The price to enter the big tent at Mount Vernon Place and Francis Street in Jamestown is $2. Children under the age of 12 are admitted for free. Russell said they endeavor to give back to the community at large with the donations they receive.

Parishioners and their friends and family help facilitate the various booths on display. Live bouzouki music, Yassou dancing, church tours, a boutique featuring traditional clothes and jewelry, traditional Greek food, George’s Famous Greek Hot Dogs and a beer tent are all staples of the festival.

“It’s going to be better than you remember,” Russell said to those who have not been to the festival in years.

To those who have never visited, he says they’re missing out.

Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello along with other county legislators appeared Friday. Borrello issued a proclamation celebrating the festival and how it stands for “family, friends, food and faith.”

Authentic, non-frozen cuisine was served by parish volunteers at the 36th annual Yassou Festival in Jamestown. The St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church’s event featured various foods from lamb shank meals and gryos to traditional baklava and cheese pie. P-J photo by Eric Zavinski

Organizer Alexis Singleton would add “music” to that list as well. She danced in the first Yassou Festival and about every one since until she put her own children into the festival as Yassou dancers and taught up-and-coming talents.

“It’s so heartwarming,” Singleton said. “I think the crowd really enjoys it.”

Singleton noted it’s rare for cultural festivals to feature both live music and dancing, and she is proud the church and Greek culture is represented as it is.

As only about 100 families are involved with the church, all volunteers get passionate about their roles to support their parish.

“It’s their only big fundraiser for the church,” Singleton said. “This is how we make it work.”

The Yassou Festival has evolved with a modern twist this year. A selfie station is open for people to take pictures in, so they can pretend they’re in Greece. Singleton calls this Father’s Day weekend a #Greekend.

“We really encourage people to be Greek for the weekend,” Singleton said. “People come in, and they try it on for the weekend.”

Singleton reminds anyone considering going that having Greek heritage is by no means a pre-requisite.

Among other perks for festival-goers, Singleton reminds interested visitors that there is a beer tent that allows anyone of age to enjoy an alcoholic beverage outdoors. Live music is played all weekend, and the food isn’t frozen and made fresh by volunteers.

“The event’s become a meet-and-greet,” Singleton said of the variety of people who come to visit for the Yassou Festival. “I think it’s the best Greek festival going.”