Castro Valley Greek Festival Returns This Weekend

CASTRO VALLEY, CA — Greeks and fans of Greek culture are in for a treat when the always popular Castro Valley Greek Festival returns to the city Aug. 19, 20 and 21.

For more than 50 years the Castro Valley Greek Festival has entertained residents and visitors alike at the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church, 20104 Center Street in Castro Valley, event spokeswoman Renee Taylor said.

According to Taylor, the idea of the Greek Festival came about 50 years ago when church members decided they needed to celebrate Greek culture and heritage, a heritage that is not as prevalent on the West Coast as it is on the East Coast.

“We want to keep that culture and celebration of our heritage alive here,” she said, adding that commemorating the Greek lifestyle isn’t the only reason for the festival.

“It’s a great fundraiser for our church, it helps to grow our parish, to be able to offer more programs and opportunities to more people,” she said.

Taylor said the event wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers who come together to make it all happen.

“We have dedicated volunteers who look forward to doing this every year,” Taylor said.

This year’s festival, which is free to attend and open to all, will feature shopping, music from DJ Levendopio Friday night and live music from Kymata Band Saturday and Sunday, along with dancing and delectable Greek food and wines, Taylor said.

Some of the menu offerings include such delights as Pork and Chicken Souvlaki with Pita bread, Lamb Sandwich, Greek Fries with Garlic, Feta and Oregano, Spanakopita, Loukoumades, Galaktoboureko, Baklava and of course the always popular Gyro, which will be available in seasoned beef or vegetarian.

All the food is handmade by church members, Taylor said.

“These are literally family recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation,” she said. “The founders of parish started the festival in '72 and all the family recipes have been maintained over the years.”

Cooking starts a few days before the festival, with church members coming together to begin preparations for the event.

“It’s putting a lot of love and fun into these cherished recipes that we’ve had for 50 years and then some,” she said of the event which she says is a true celebration of Greek heritage.

The Castro Valley Greek Festival will be held Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. KKIQ will be broadcasting live from the event on both Saturday and Sunday and will be giving away things like gift cards, food and other items, Taylor said.

“We are very much about the celebration,” she said. “We are very welcoming, very inclusive, we are known for making people feel at home. Come, try our food, drink our wine, sit back outdoors enjoy the music and enjoy the festivities of it all. The laid back party atmosphere is here, come and join us.”