St. George Middle Eastern Food Festival returns for 37th year

Putting on the annual St. George Middle Eastern Food Festival, which attracted almost 8,000 people in 2017, is “an enormous amount of work” for the members and staff at St. George Melkite Greek Catholic Church on Southside, said the Rev. Justin Rose.

But it’s all worth it, he said.

“It's a fun three days of coming together for a common good,” Rose said. “We love being together as a family. All that we have means nothing if we don't share it with others.”

The sharing continues when the festival returns to the church for its 37th year Sept. 27-29. Middle Eastern dishes will include baked kibbee, rolled grape leaves, spinach pie, falafel and pastries. Dine-in and take-out food service will be available each day from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The festival also features dance, music, church tours and other activities. There are vendors selling books, icons, stained glass, olive wood and Middle Eastern groceries.

St. George has also supported such local charities as Pathways, The Foundry, Samaritan’s Purse and Three Hots and a Cot.

For details, including information about food delivery and drive-through service, call 252-5788 or go to saintgeorgeonline.org.