Due to the continuing COVID pandemic, the annual Marietta Greek Festival is switching things up this year with “Opa To Go,” meaning you can still enjoy the Greek food the festival has to offer — just without the big crowds.
After a forced hiatus due to COVID of what would have been the 30th anniversary of the annual Marietta Greek Festival in May 2020, East Cobb’s beloved Marietta Greek Festival is back in a safe way with the 2021 “Opa To Go” Drive-Thru! It’s all hands on deck when it comes to preparing for the festival that’s organized by Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. The work includes preparing nearly thousands of pounds of chicken, lamb and gyros seasoned to perfection and, of course, a lot of other Greek dishes and desserts that people look forward to year after year.
Come enjoy your favorite homemade Greek goodies, music, dancing and atmosphere as you make your way around the parking lot – experiencing the beauty of the Greek culture, all from the safety of your car. Opa To Go will be held at Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 3431 Trickum Road, Marietta 30066. Hours will be: Friday, May 14: 4-8pm; Saturday, May 15: 11am-8pm; and, Sunday, May 16: 11am-5pm. When you arrive, you’ll enter into the lower parking lot where you will be greeted by one of their many volunteers who will tell you a bit about the menu. You will then be directed to the cashiers to place your order, while passing some Greek dance performances in the amphitheater.
As you drive around to the top of the church’s parking lot, you will be able to enjoy cultural exhibits and information about Greece and its rich heritage. Once you approach the top level, your food will be delivered to your car for you to take home and enjoy!
You may also be surprised by more impromptu dance performances in the Kafenion scene in front of front of the Byzantine inspired church! The menu will feature many of their most popular Greek dishes and pastries to take home, ready to eat. You can even buy frozen homemade Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) or frozen keftedes (Greek meatballs) to take home and bake at your leisure!
The full-fledged annual Greek Festival typically offers more menu items, attractions, shopping, and church tours. Their hope is to offer this again next year. So, although things won’t be quite the same this year, it’s still an opportunity to share the Greek culture, faith and food with people in the community.
As Holy Transfiguration’s Father Panayiotis shares, “Our hope is that you’ll join us for the “Opa To Go” Drive-Thru Greek Festival. We’ve have missed you all in 2020 but are excited to share our φιλοξενία – Greek hospitality – in this new, drive-thru only format.” Come by and be Greek for a day…or three! For more information, visit mariettagreekfestival.com.
This article originally appeared in the EAST COBBER May/June issue. You can access the digital edition HERE.
