Murrieta Greek Orthodox Church Brings Back 'Greek Festival'

TEMECULA, CA - Old Town Temecula will be alive with the sights, sounds and flavors of Greece this weekend as the Temecula Valley Greek Festival returns to the Civic Center.

The fest will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, in the area of Main and Mercedes streets.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Murrieta organizes the events annually.

According to organizers, activities will include folk dance performances, wine and beer tasting, as well as a Mediterranean Marketplace, overflowing with assorted edibles, including baklava, kataifi, moussaka, paxemadia and tiropita pastries.

The Olympians band, with their Bouzoukia, drums and flutes, will play long sets, featuring old and modern laiko, as well as non-traditional Greek songs.

There will be free Greek dance lessons, cooking demos and sales of garments and other keepsakes.

A children's play area will be open both days, with pony rides, a petting zoo and bounce houses.

Lifestream Blood Bank will be seeking donations from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

All kids under 12 years old will be admitted to the festival at half price. Retired and active-duty military personnel, along with public safety officials carrying identification, will be admitted free, organizers said. Full price admission is $2. Proceeds go to the church and its charities.

More information is available at www.TemeculaGreekFest.com .

— By City News Service / Image via Shutterstock