No-pa for Greek festival


Put away the baklava and gyros till next year, as the pandemic has sidelined yet another summer staple in Ventura County.

Last week, organizers of the Ventura County Greek Festival announced the cancellation of what would have been the festival’s 43rd year.

“As a good neighbor and citizen, we believe it is our moral obligation to keep our guests, vendors, team members and volunteers safe by helping limit the spread of this virus,” organizers said in a statement on the festival’s website.

The Rev. Gary Kyriacou of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, which hosts the event, said the decision was a difficult one. Organizers had been planning the festival, which offers live music, dancing, souvenirs and Greek cuisine, since January, but reconsidered when stay-at-home orders were issued in March.

After much deliberation, Kyriacou said, they decided to call off the festival, which typically draws between 4,500 and 6,000 people from around the county.

The next festival is planned for June 25 to 27, 2021. For details, visit vcgreekfestival.org.

Brooke Stanley