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Greek Food Fair History

Origins in the 1970s

"The Greek Food Fair was originally started in 1970. The first three Greek Food Fairs took place in the church hall basement, as well as a large tent where the church’s social hall now sits. In 1974, the food fair took place in the former Steak-O-Rama Restaurant on Ingersoll. Although the food fair was quite popular with the public, it went into hibernation from 1975-80. At that time, it was regarded as something the church could do without.

Revival in the 1980s

"In 1980, the church, which was faced with budget issues, apathy and a lack of long-term goals, was looking for something to get the community working again. The time was right for reviving the Greek Food Fair. However, it was apparent that the church facilities were inadequate for the size of the Greek Food Fair that the congregation envisioned. Fortunately, local steak house owners agreed to help. Chris Spanos, owner of Best Steak House, donated the use of his restaurant in 1980. Then in 1981, the Ligidis brothers, owners of the Olympic Flame restaurant, donated their restaurant as a temporary site. That year, the Greek Food Fair was successful yet again, with a record 1,200 people in attendance, and netting $5,000 to help balance the church’s budget. Perhaps more importantly, the community pulled itself together, worked hard, and felt good about itself.

"But a long-term facility for the fair still needed to be built. In 1980, the church’s General Assembly made a commitment to remodel the church and build a community hall and kitchen complex worthy of a proper food fair site. By 1982, this community hall was completed with a seating capacity of several hundred, and a more-than-adequate kitchen facility. The Greek Food Fair now had a permanent home.

Importance today

"When the Greek Food Fair began, it was seen by many church members as a luxury, but now it is a necessity for the church’s budget. In the early 1980s, the food fair contributed about 10 percent toward the church’s budget. By the 1990s, it contributed about 30 percent. Where the food fair was seen as the frosting on the cake, it is now an important part of the cake.

"As important as it is to the financial well being of the church, the Greek Food Fair does even more for the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. In terms of public relations, the food fair has raised the church’s visibility – people have come to know us, our culture and our history through our food, pastries, music, dancing and hospitality. Moreover, the food fair has brought us closer together as a parish, given us additional opportunities to interact, and work cooperatively toward a common goal."

--Jim Christakos, Greek Food Fair Historian and President of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George Parish Council during 1980 and 1991.