The 40th annual Yassou Festival, hosted each year by St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 15 Francis St., began Friday and continues today from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The start of the festival is a welcomed sight not only by church leadership and members, but by the public as well.

“I love this event,” said Rev. Father Soterios Rousakis, the church’s presiding priest. “We get to share our Greek culture- by food, music and dance and we get to share our faith through the church tours we offer. This program is open to the public and all are welcome.”

This opening and welcoming posture the Greek Orthodox Church has taken for more than 39-years has become a welcoming sight for some and a favorite destination choice for others.

At theYassou Greek Festival a group of female friends enjoy some Greek cuisine Friday, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

“The food, dancing, music, desserts, and authentic beer…you don’t get much better than this,” said Alberta Washington, a resident of Jamestown. “The prices are pretty reasonable too.”

Steve Chipman, he looks forward to this festive weekend each year.

“I count the days down to this event.” he said. “It is great – People socializing, eating and listening to a unique style of music than we are listening to; and just being a tight-knit community.”

However, as a testament to the popularity of this event and its drawing power, the festival’s chairperson for the church shared statistical data regarding event attendance.

“We have around 3,000 people come to this event,” said Alexis Singleton.

Traditional Greek Dancers perform Friday at the Yassou Festival. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

This year’s festival incorporates many Greek dishes for sale including Lamb Shank, Souvlaki (chicken), Gyros, Keftedes (Greek meatballs with Greek salad), Greek hot dogs, Spanakopita (pie with spinach and feta cheese) and others.

The Greek bakery items offered include Baklava, Kourambiedes (butter cookies topped with powdered sugar), Koulourakia (twisted butter cookies), Sweet Bread and others.

At the bazaar, the Greek Boutique offers gifts, souvenirs, T-shirts, icons, coin scarves and other Greek-related memorabilia.

Church tours are open today from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the festival.

Greek dance shows are set for today at 1, 5 and 8 p.m.

A highlight or a must-see according to Singleton is the Hellenic Historical Exhibit. The art and historical Greek displays are open to the public for viewing at the festival from 12 – 5 p.m.

For more information contact 716-483-0022 or visit StNicholasJamestown.org. Yassou.