Pam Wright
The Journal
Sarnia’s own take on ‘nectar of the gods’ will be on tap when Greekfest rolls into downtown Aug. 5-7.
Organizers have partnered with the Refined Fool to brew up some Zeus Juice — a special batch of craft beer to mark the festival’s first decade of success.
The brew is named after Zeus, the powerful king of the gods in Greek mythology who controlled the sky and thunder.
“It exciting and most unique,” said Sarnia Greekfest project coordinator Allison Cadwallader of 10th anniversary beer.
But the suds will have to share equal billing with the food.
Perennial classics like chicken souvlaki will again be featured, along with locally made Greek sausages and Greek meatballs.
Cadwallader said a large crowd is expected for the festival, which draws members from Hellenic communities across Southwestern Ontario and the United States.
The event will launch on First Friday in the municipal parking lot beside Scotia Bank, Cadwallader said, adding the band Seizmos will take to the stage.
“They are really popular in Toronto,” she said.
Saturday will see professional dance groups, including a children’s group from London.
On Sunday, a Greek deejay will keep the crowd moving.
“Our tagline is come and get your Greek on,” said Cadwallader. “Anybody and everybody are welcome.”
Greekfest joined forces with the International Powerboat Festival last year and made a successful trial move downtown from its original home at St. Demetrios Orthodox Church on Murphy Road.
This year, the two organizations are continuing to do co-marketing but are holding their events on successive weekends to keep the crowds coming downtown.
The Powerboat Festival runs Aug. 12-14.