Annual St. Demetrios Greek Fest Cancelled

The Greek Festival of Saginaw - one of the biggest and most popular summer festival events in the Great Lakes Bay Region - has  announced  the cancelation of its 42nd Annual Greek Festival. The decision was made out of concern for the health and safety of guests and volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Greek Festival was originally planned for Father’s Day weekend, June 19, 20, and 21.

The Greek Festival is planning a drive-thru for later this summer. It is tentatively scheduled for August 21-22. The drive-thru will include gyros, baklava, and other Greek Festival favorites. Health safety precautions will be taken.

The Greek Festival contributes proceeds to local organizations and charities. In the last year alone, the Festival donated to a dozen organizations, including local high schools. Other recipients included Big Brothers Big Sisters, Friends of Theodore Roethke, Hidden Harvest, Historical Society of Saginaw County, Read Association of Saginaw County, and Saginaw Area Fireworks, Inc.

The Greek Festival is already making plans for its return in 2021.

Each year the Greek Festival offers a large menu of authentic Greek foods including gyros and pastries. It features live entertainment, folk dancing, and children’s activities.

The Greek Festival began in 1979 as a way of sharing the faith and culture of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Greek immigrants began settling in Saginaw over a century ago. St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church is now 83 years old.