OPA!! Moussaka, spanakopites, pastitsio, baklava. . .

Since we can’t make it to Mykonos, this is where we’ll be this weekend–at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church for its luscious Greek Festival. 

In fact, we can’t think of a better way to spend–and eat away–Labor Day weekend.

Due to the popularity of this festival, hours this year are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day–that’s Friday, Sept. 1; Saturday, Sept. 2 and Monday, Sept. 3.

The church is on the corner of  Forest Park and Kingshighway in St. Louis’ Central West End. Admission is free. So is parking which is conveniently done in the BJC parking garage next to the church.

And, believe it or not, there’s lots more to do than eat at the Greek Festival:

• Tours of the church are offered at 1, 2:30, 5 and 6:30 p.m. Not only will you learn about the history, architecture, art and music of St. Nicholas’ parish, you’ll get an introduction to Orthodox Christianity.
• Dance performances will be at noon, 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. daily on the Main Stage and 4 and 7 p.m. daily on the Taverna Stage.
• A $20 raffle ticket (6 for $100) could win you a new 2012 BMW hardtop convertible. Proceeds benefit the ministries of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.
• The Marketplace features items from the Athens flea market including grape leaves, cheese, olive oil, jewelry, dolls, vases, miniature icons, cookbooks and novelties.
• The Saint Nicholas’ parish bookstore offers a wide variety of books, CDs and videos on everything from Orthodox Church history and historical theology to devotional aids such as icons and prayer ropes.

 St. Louis Magazine voted the Greek Festival the “best local festival.”

The whole experience will leave you shouting, “Opa!”

Moussaka, spanakopites, pastitsio, baklava. . .

For our money, there’s no better way to spend Labor Day weekend this side of of Mykonos than at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in St. Louis’ Central West End.

The fun reigns supreme from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3-4 and 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 5 at the church on the corner of  Forest Park and Kingshighway.

Voted the best local festival by St. Louis Magazine, the Greek Festival features live music and Greek folk dancing by St. Louis native Christo Sarantakis and Pete Dellas. Bouzouki Pete’s Orchestra will also perform.

Dance performances can be see daily at 12:30, 3:15 and 5:15 p.m. on the Main Stage and at 4 and 7 p.m. on the Taverna Stage.

Enjoy a tour of the beautiful church at 1, 2:30, 5 and 6:30 daily.

Stop to buy a souvenir of the event at the Marketplace featuring items from the Athens flea market including grape leaves, cheese, olive oil, jewelry, dolls, vases, miniature icons, cookbooks and novelties.

The whole experience will leave you shouting, “Opa!”