CONGRATULATIONS PETE: In this 2017 file photo, Pete Fontaine was presented with a special commendation by Town Councilman Robert Civetti. He was recognized for doing a “great job for the Town of Johnston and the athletes of the town at all levels,” he was honored for his coverage of events of all kinds. That same year, Fontaine was inducted into the Johnston High School Hall of Fame.

April 19, 2024

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Thousands turn out for Greek Festival

By PETE FONTAINE

Posted 9/11/19

By PETE FONTAINE Although there were no official numbers taken, the 34th annual Cranston Greek Festival was again a smashing success and sellout - and, thankfully, it received a reprieve from Hurricane Dorian. There were waiting lines for food and the

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Thousands turn out for Greek Festival

PITA PALS: The father and son tandem of Arthur and Jimmy Tzouvesos enjoy a slight break from grilling during the Cranston Greek Festival.

PITA PALS: The father and son tandem of Arthur and Jimmy Tzouvesos enjoy a slight break from grilling during the Cranston Greek Festival.

(Herald photos by Pete Fontaine)

LAKI’S LINK: Laki Andriotis, of Crusty’s Pizza fame, slices up meat for the famous gyro sandwiches.

LAKI’S LINK: Laki Andriotis, of Crusty’s Pizza fame, slices up meat for the famous gyro sandwiches.

(Herald photos by Pete Fontaine)

BEBLENIS’ BUDDIES: Head chef Harry Bablenis is surrounded by the cooks who turned out roast chicken, lamb and souvlaki during the three-day Cranston Greek Festival.

BEBLENIS’ BUDDIES: Head chef Harry Bablenis is surrounded by the cooks who turned out roast chicken, lamb and souvlaki during the three-day Cranston Greek Festival.

(Herald photos by Pete Fontaine)

SPECIAL SALADS: Ladies like Angela Provost, Paula Demetrakas and Maria Menard mix another batch of Greek salads for attendees at the Cranston Greek Festival.

SPECIAL SALADS: Ladies like Angela Provost, Paula Demetrakas and Maria Menard mix another batch of Greek salads for attendees at the Cranston Greek Festival.

(Herald photos by Pete Fontaine)

POLISHED PERFORMERS: The Odyssey Dance Troupe put on five dazzling performances during the Cranston Greek Festival.

POLISHED PERFORMERS: The Odyssey Dance Troupe put on five dazzling performances during the Cranston Greek Festival.

(Herald photos by Pete Fontaine)

GRAND GUESTS: Father Nicholas Lanzourakis, the new assistant pastor at the Church of the Annunciation, and his son Polydoros greet Barbara Ann Fenton and Mayor Allan Fung during the festival.

GRAND GUESTS: Father Nicholas Lanzourakis, the new assistant pastor at the Church of the Annunciation, and his son Polydoros greet Barbara Ann Fenton and Mayor Allan Fung during the festival.

(Herald photos by Pete Fontaine)

Posted Wednesday, September 11, 2019 1:01 pm

By PETE FONTAINE

Although there were no official numbers taken, the 34th annual Cranston Greek Festival was again a smashing success and sellout – and, thankfully, it received a reprieve from Hurricane Dorian.

There were waiting lines for food and the free shuttle service that Coclin Associates sponsored for the Church of the Annunciation’s three-day festival.

Cranston Mayor Allan Fung – who delivered some brief but enthusiastic congratulatory remarks Sunday afternoon – and his wife, Barbara Ann Fenton, were amazed with the standing-room-only crowd that covered a large portion of a parking area to watch the famed Odyssey Dance Troupe’s performance.

“We’re proud of what this great festival brings to our city,” Fung said. “We’re also proud that the parish opens its doors to show its great heritage, culture and fantastic foods.”

Meanwhile, Father Andrew G. George – Church of the Annunciation’s long-time pastor, who also served as master of ceremonies during the Odyssey Dance Troupe’s performance – gave thanks to everyone who helped make the 2019 event an overwhelming success.

“Friday’s opening was a bit challenging due to the effect from Hurricane Dorian passing by offshore,” George said.

He added with a smile: “And [the name] Dorian, in fact, is of Greek roots, so he stayed overall away from us.”

George, who was assisted by the parish’s new Assistant Pastor Father Nicholas Lanzourakis, added: “Saturday and Sunday brought fantastic for weather, and we are so appreciative of the crowds that came steadily both days. I also commend our fantastic parishioner volunteers for their energy to cook, bake, set up, host, serve and now this week, tear down and store away until next year.”

George also recognized Boy Scout Troop 6 of Cranston, which the Annunciation parish sponsors. He said the Scouts “came in on Wednesday night and put up all the tables and chairs, then came in Saturday and Sunday mornings to clean up and were back, helping to tear down Sunday night.”

“We could not run this festival as smooth and as clear without them,” he said.

Theofanis “Frank” Markos, the festival’s veteran chairman, announced that Peter Demas won the $5,000 dream vacation raffle.

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