For more than six decades, the Sacramento Greek Festival has celebrated the culture, food and traditions of the region’s Grecian community. The festival returns for its 61st year starting Friday at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in East Sacramento.

The festival is the church’s biggest fundraiser, and it’s loved by more than just the parishioners.“I’m not a patron of the church but I know they have it every year and it’s great food,” said Sharon Biehner, a seven year festival attendee.The food is traditional homemade Greek food.“We have, chicken dinner, gyros, stuffed grape leaves and of course the desserts,” explained Tom Iliadis, president of the church council.It’s all hands on deck to prepare the food, and organizers say it's a great way to maintain generational Greek tradition.“It’s a good opportunity to train the younger generation and teach them how to cook certain things from the homeland,” Iliadis explained.Over a month of preparation leads to the three-day festival, but those working say it is all worth it.“There are times where we have a hard time keeping up because we get so busy, so we are really thankful for that, we are glad the community enjoys the food and we have a great time when we’re working and putting together the festival,” said Cathie Julies, a parish council member.The money from the festival supports the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and allows them to maintain operations.“It keeps us afloat; we do two festivals, one in October and one in May and it just really helps us keep our doors open,” explained Julies.The festival continues through Friday, and organizers encourage anyone interested to check it out.“It’s a unique opportunity to try some homemade Greek food and it’s also a great opportunity to see the church and meet the parishioners,” said Iliadis.The festival is open on Friday from 11am-7pm.The best way to get food from the festival is to order ahead and pick it up.To order food, click here.