STEPHANIE KLEIN-DAVIS The Roanoke Times

Whitney Pugh of Rocky Mount stands in line to purchase her souvlaki lunch at the Greek Festival on Friday. She is a vendor at the festival with Alouf Aesthetics.

Organizers of this weekend's annual Roanoke Greek Festival say the event has a lot to offer to those with an appetite for experiencing other cultures -- or just a big appetite.

What Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church started as a low-key dinner open to the public has grown into an annual three-day festival, anticipated by locals looking for a taste of Greek culture.

"Oh, the baklava, I love it. I wait all year for it," said Cindy Obrist, referring to the Greek pastry.

Nick Munger said he helped start the church in 1965, and at its peak, the earlier Holiday in Athens dinner would feed nearly 2,000 people.

At this year's festival, Chairman Pete Simopoulos said he expects between 16,000 and 18,000 people to attend.

Simopoulos said the event is a major fundraiser for the church, which has given more than $80,000 to local charities and organizations, including the Roanoke Rescue Mission, Saint Francis of Assisi Service Dog Foundation and Center in the Square.

On Friday afternoon, decorated tents and tables, a Corinthian-style column entrance and a live Greek band set the ambience at the gathering, as guests feasted on traditional Greek cuisine.

Adults could purchase popular brands of Greek beer and wine, served at a beverage booth.

Between the music and cuisine, organizers offered a tour of what they call the pride of local Greek culture -- the church building itself.

Simopoulos said the church sanctuary, built in Greek Orthodox tradition, features vibrant depictions of biblical events, images of Jesus Christ and saints.

He cited delicious food and the creation of democratic government as important Greek contributions to the world, but said the culture's deep history and contribution to Christianity shouldn't be overlooked.

"A lot of people hear the word Greek Orthodox and think it's some kind of cult," Simopoulos said.

Simopoulos lives in Lynchburg, but makes the trip to Roanoke every Sunday, he said.

Irene Karageorge said she helped a group of youths from 8 to 17 years old practice their dance routines for the festival. Throughout the weekend, they are presenting traditional dances, dances that originate from Greek islands and a routine seen in the film "Zorba the Greek." For performances, the group will be dressed in traditional Greek costumes.

Karageorge said the festival is important to her because it brings all different types of people in the community together.

"It means opening up our doors and our hearts to everyone here in the community and showing them what Greek traditions are about," she said.

Signs on Interstate 581 prompted Blacksburg resident Stephanie Foreman to find out for herself what the festival was all about. As she and Sean Orie, also of Blacksburg, tried Greek entrees Friday, they had no complaints.

"I can't pronounce it but it tastes good," Orie said, referring to tiropita, a cheese pastry.

Danna Owen is serving alcoholic beverages for the festival. She said the public only sees the end result, but the church has been planning for this year's event since the day after the 2008 festival. She said local Greeks are known for their hospitality, something she hopes the public appreciates as they come together and enjoy each other's company.

"We're all a big family," she said.