POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Pocatello Greek Festival is a fan-favorite every year, drawing out thousands to the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church for a vast menu of Greek food, pastries and desserts, as well as tours of the historic church building and Greek folk dancing.
Pocatello locals and visitors lined Wyeth street beginning just before 9 a.m. this morning in preparation for the Greek Festival. The festival officially began at 11 a.m. and goes until 7 p.m. The menu includes a variety of Greek food like baklava and gyros.
Over 50 volunteers come together to make the festival happen, between giving the church tours and roasting the meat for various dishes. Attendees said they particularly enjoy the chocolate baklava and signature “baklava sundae.”
The church building in Pocatello is on the national registry of historic buildings and features sacred artwork painted on the walls. Organizers said they’re pleased to show visitors inside their santuary for a tour and presentation about the Orthodox Christian religion.
“I’ve been doing this for about 16 years but they’ve been doing it off and on for about 50,” said Father Constantine Zozos, Priest at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. “We have ethnic folk dancers performing that are spectaular, they come up from Salt Lake and we have four tours of the historic church.”
Father Constantine said the church is a historic national site that deserves to be shared with everyone. He also said Greek culture is important worldwide, bringing food and ideas to many countries.
“The traditions are great and the food is incredible,” he said. “If it wasn’t for Greek food, Costco wouldn’t have feta.”
There are many Greek festivals across the country. When asked what makes the Pocatello one special, Father Constantine said all the food for the community is made in their commercial kitchen on site.
“Southeastern Idaho and Western Wyoming don’t have a lot of Greekness in them, so we want to share this culture, it’s a beautiful culture,” he said. “Greece brought a lot of things to the world, including democracy. So we’re very proud of that.”
Greek music played over loudspeakers everywhere at the festival and for those in line. The Pocatello Police Department, local mayors, Gold’s Gym representatives and individual volunteers came to serve the community.
More information about the local Greek Orthodox community can be found at www.assumptionpocatello.net.
