### Get Ready for the 51st Oakmont Greek Food Festival!
**Excitement is brewing!** The **51st Oakmont Greek Food Festival** is just around the corner, hosted by the beloved **Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church** at **12 Washington Ave.**, and this year promises to be better than ever. **Mark your calendars for June 27-29** and prepare your taste buds for a delightful culinary journey into the heart of Greek culture!
#### Anticipation Builds
Last year’s event left some attendees longing for more after a few crowd-pleasing dishes, like **pastitso**, mysteriously vanished before the festival reached its climax. **Event co-chair Andy Gavrilos** is making sure it doesn’t happen again.
> “We’re going to have a little bit more food this year than we’ve had,” Gavrilos assures. “Last year, we ran out of a few items that left some people disappointed, so we’re addressing that.”
With an estimated **7,000 to 8,000 attendees** expected each day, organizers are keen to satisfy every palate and avoid any culinary shortages.
#### A Culinary Extravaganza
Festival doors will swing open at **noon and remain open until 11 p.m.**, with food served until **9 p.m.** each day. This is your chance to savor some traditional dishes that truly embody Greek hospitality.
> “It’s a labor of love,” states Gavrilos. “It’s an opportunity for us to share our Greek culture with the local community.”
So what’s on the menu? Prepare for delectable options featuring the highly sought-after **lamb shank** alongside other fan favorites including:
– **Pastitso**: A creamy, cheesy layered dish that many adore.
– **Chicken Alexis**: Savory and succulent.
– **Moussaka**: A rich and comforting classic.
– **Shish Kabob**: Perfectly grilled to perfection.
But the culinary adventure doesn’t stop there! Swing by the **Riverside Landing building** to indulge in a variety of **Greek pastries**, featuring the fan-favorite **baklava sundaes**—a dessert that’s sure to sweeten your festival experience.
#### Music and Entertainment
While the aroma of mouthwatering dishes wafts through the festival grounds, there’s more to enchant your senses. From **5:30 to 11 p.m.** each night, enjoy the captivating sounds of live performances, including traditional **Greek music** that will get your feet tapping.
Various youth dance groups will light up the stage, showcasing the talent and spirit of the community. Gavrilos’ grandchildren will be performing, adding a special personal touch to the event.
The highlight of the performances will be the **Grecian Odyssey Dancers from East Pittsburgh**, who promise to steal the show with **two dazzling performances each night**.
> “They’re always a fan favorite for people to watch,” Gavrilos says with pride.
### Join Us for an Unforgettable Experience!
So, gather your friends and family, and come immerse yourself in the rich flavors and vibrant culture of Greece at the **51st Oakmont Greek Food Festival**. Whether you’re there for the food, the music, or the community spirit, each moment is bound to be one to remember.
**Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to indulge in authentic Greek cuisine and celebrate a culture that continues to enchant.** See you there!
Haley Daugherty is a TribLive reporter covering local politics, feature stories and Allegheny County news. A native of Pittsburgh, she lived in Alabama for six years. She joined the Trib in 2022 after graduating from Chatham University. She can be reached at [email protected].
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