Correspondent photo / Brandon Cantwell The Filarakia (translates to “friends”) served as the primary musical entertainment at the 38th annual Summerfest on Saturday. ...Correspondent photo / Brandon Cantwell

YOUNGSTOWN — The food is just one of the many attractions bringing people to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church’s 38th annual Summerfest.

The festival, at 220 N. Walnut St. downtown, has attracted a plethora of people and continues today.

For some, like Jim O’Kane of Poland, coming to the festival is about supporting the church.

But for others, such as Alexandra Faga of Florida, coming to the festival was about showing off the Greek culture and her country, something she does proudly as one of the featured vendors at the event.

Parish Councilman Socrates Kolitsos said letting the rest of the community know who Greek Americans are is one of the reasons why it was important to them that they celebrate Greek culture.

“One of the things that’s important to us is to share our culture with the community at large, letting them know who we are and the things we believe in and enjoy. Obviously, our religion, our food, our pastries,” Kolitsos said. “We have a very strong zest for life, ad we like to have fun and enjoy ourselves and dance.

Stewardship co-chair Kaliopi Vavoulas, who moved to the United States 12 years ago, mentioned the festival and, more importantly, the church reinforce Greek traditions, which is why Summerfest is important to her.

“I have three girls. I try to teach them all about traditions, but our traditions mostly come out of the church. So if I don’t bring my kids to church, they’re not going to learn anything of our (Greek) traditions. I can do anything I want to do at home, but it’s not going to stick as well, unless you’re experiencing it around people,” Vavoulas said.

Kolitsos said money raised at the fest mostly goes to keeping the church vibrant for the sake of parishioners’ forefathers, as it started as a small church that has grown and they want to keep it alive.

Vavoulas added that money also goes to philoptohos, the aiding of anyone who might need the help of the church, such as the aged, sick or homeless.

Musical entertainment was provided by the Filarakia.

The event continues 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.

news@vindy.com