write a news story in Associated Press inverted pyramid style out of this information: Pasadena Greek Fest 2023 is a vibrant cultural event held at the St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church grounds in Pasadena, CA, on September 30th and October 1st. It offers an authentic taste of Greece in Los Angeles. Attendees can savor classic Greek dishes like lamb chops, gyro, and souvlaki, accompanied by Greek wines, spirits, and refreshing beverages. Live music by the Olympians and captivating dance presentations enhance the experience. Guests of all ages can join in the festivities, including traditional Greek dances. Families can enjoy a designated fun zone with rides. Admission is $5 for adults (or 5 for $20) and free for children under 12, making it an accessible celebration of Greek culture.


Written response from Anthia Drulias-Lucas, St. Anthony Greek Fest Committee Member: 


Good Morning Therese,
I will do my best to answer the questions you provided regarding our Greek Fest this weekend.

What inspired the Pasadena Greek Fest?:   Greek Festivals began at St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church around 1960-1962, with a one day Sunday festival in September.  The inspiration was to generate funds to help begin a capital campaign to achieve the dream of a fellowship hall and new church sanctuary.  Along with this capital campaign came a genuine need to share our culture and faith with our community. 
Can you share some highlights of the planned activities?:  Of course, highlights of our Greek Fest first and foremost is the handcrafted Greek food and pastries.  These are made by our beautiful parishioners who have such pride in creating the most delicious food items.  We cannot forget the Greek Folk Dancing that brings many of the non-Greek community members in for live entertainment.  Guests are also taught to Greek Dance while at the Fest! 
What are special cuisines and pastries that will be served?:   In our dinner line we will be serving authentic and traditional entrees such as, Moussaka, an eggplant, beef in a savory tomato sauce topped with béchamel sauce, Pasticho, another casserole entre with macaroni noodles, tomato sauce blend, cheese and béchamel topping.  Spanakopita a spinach and cheese blend layered in buttery phyllo dough.  Tyropitas, a Greek cheese blend also layered in buttery phyllo dough both baked to a beautiful golden brown.  There will also be stuffed grape leaves (dolmathes) served as well as baked Greek chicken, and of course roasted lamb.  In addition, there will be grilled lamb chops, chicken and pork shish kabob, calamari and we cannot forget the ever famous Greek Gyro sandwich that will be hand carved right off the spiral rotisseries!
Our pastries also handmade by members of our community will include the traditional baklava, phyllo dough with walnuts and honey, Kourumbethes, a powdered sugar soft buttery cookie, Galatoburiko, custard layered in phyllo dough baked and topped with a blended syrup.  In addition, we will serve, Melomakaroma another Greek cookie dipped in a honey and topped with walnuts. Pasta flora pastry topped with apricot preserves, Diples, dough fried, rolled and dipped in syrup and nuts. Plus, several other special treats.  We cannot forget or Loukoumades, Greek doughnuts with honey and walnuts!
We will also be brewing traditional Greek Coffee as well as iced Greek Frappes just like they serve in Greece.
Could you tell us about the award-winning dance groups preforming at the event?  Our Greek Folk Dancers range in age from 4 years old to Young Adults.  Our youth participate in the Greek Folk Dance Festival held every Presidents weekend usually in California or Arizona and include communities from our seven Greek Metropolis states consisting of, California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii and Alaska. This folk dance event have occurred for almost 50 years.  Our children have brought home many awards over the years and continue to compete at very high level! 
Saturday and Sunday tentative dance performance times will be:  Sept. 30 and Oct 1
Bouboukakia-TK/Pre-K and Filarakia - 3rd-6th grade, 4:00 P.M.  
Pyrkagia – 7th -12th Grade Asterakia K-2nd grade 5:30 P.M.
Panegiri – College + (Advanced Seniors) 8:00 P.M.
How does the festival promote Greek culture and fellowship within the community?  Besides being a fundraiser for our community, this event has been a way for St. Anthony to share its faith and cultural heritage with the community at large.  Our festival has had several venues other than our church campus.  Arcadia Masonic hall in the early 1970’s to Santa Anita Race track for over 30 years. In 2002 it returned to St. Anthony where we could highlight our facilities especially our beautiful Church.  Church tours will be conducted throughout both days of the festival.  
What can attendees, especially children look forward to in the Kids Fun Zone?:  Our Kids Zone will feature the usual air jumpers for younger children along with face painting, Spin Art, Giant Connect 4, and other games.  There will be other games and activities as well.  This area will be sponsored by our Greek Orthodox Youth Association (GOYA) as well as adult supervision.  On Sunday evening, October 1, our GOYA will have a Glow Party from 8:00 P.M. -10:00 P.M.
A new feature in our Kids Zone will be the Periptero!  A replica of the Kiosks on the corners in Greece where you can buy candy, soda, ice cream, etc.  There will also be cotton candy and snow cones for children to enjoy!




EVENT HISTORY/ BACKGROUND:
Visit Greece without ever leaving Los Angeles and join the endless summer fun with Los Angeles' Greek community at the Annual Pasadena Greek Fest which will be held Friday-Sunday

Pasadena GreekFest, one of Los Angeles oldest and largest culturally diverse festivals, brings together the community in celebration of Fall with a multitude of fun activities for the entire family, including Greek cuisine, cooking demonstration, a sports bar and cigar lounge, art, culture, Greek lectures, wine tasting, shopping, live entertainment and Kid's Fun Zone, says Co-Chairman of the event Louie Kades.


Highlights of the weekend festivities will include live Greek entertainment from the Olympians and other live performers. Planned are many exciting exhibits, including cooking demonstrations, live wine chat with wine makers from Greece, lectures about Greek history and culture, as well as the very popular Olympic Taverna Sports Bar & Cigar Lounge, authentic homemade Greek cuisine and pastries, Greek folk dancing by several award winning youth groups and an expanded Kid's Fun Zone with rock climbing, carnival games, rides and prizes.

The Pasadena Greek Fest is an annual event which brings together thousands of visitors from the Greater Los Angeles area to a weekend pageantry celebrating all things Greek. Proceeds from the event benefit cultural, educational, and community outreach programs run by Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena, CA. 

See more info at PasadenaGreekFest.com