A Greek celebration

Posted 9/10/13

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A Greek celebration

Helen Mihailides Pappas, 93, who has been to all 28 festivals, even as a youngster when the event was a one-day picnic. Her late father, Rev. Peter G. Mihailides, was the longtime priest at the Greek Orthodox Church that was once located on Pine Street in Providence and for whom the parish center is named.

Koula Rougas directs the group.

The award-winning Odyssey Dance Troupe performs one of five traditional dances featured in Greek villages

Photos by John Howell

Head Chef Harry Bablenis (left), 82, and Chairman Theofanis Markos enjoy a lighter moment while taking a brief break from their kitchen duties.

Posted Tuesday, September 10, 2013 1:00 pm

There were unlimited smiles and countless pleased palates during the 28th annual Cranston Greek Festival, staffed by more than 500 volunteers, last weekend. The festival set all-time records while attracting upwards of 30,000 people to the Church of the Annunciation’s grounds at 175 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston. All 35,000 pieces of homemade pastry were sold out by early Sunday afternoon, as was each specialty dinner and popular side dish.