Pensacola's Annual Greek Festival celebrates its 48th anniversary this year over the Veteran's Day weekend (November 9, 10 and 11). The popular festival was started by the parishioners of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox church as a luncheon to share their culture and heritage. It has since grown to a full-blown 3 day event serving a variety of Greek foods along with traditional dance performances, live entertainment, church tours and shopping. The event is held the same weekend as the Blue Angels Air Show so visitors and residents can plan a full weekend of fun in Pensacola. Admission is free. Festival hours are 11 am to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday and from 12 pm to 6 pm on Sunday. For more information, visit the church's website at www.annunciationgoc.org.

Like a trip to Greece, the festival offers a rich multisensory experience of Greek culture. "Greeks are famous for their hospitality and extremely proud of their heritage" says festival chairman Mark Pappas. "We want our guests to feel welcome and have a great time at our festival and learn a little about our cuisine, faith, music and dancing".

Live Greek music by Alpha Omega Sounds and traditional folk dancing will be the highlight of the weekend. Youth dancers dressed in traditional costumes representing various regions of Greece will perform. A new offering this year will be dance lessons for those who want to learn the basic steps of our traditional dances. Audience participation in the dancing is encouraged. Opa!

Bring your appetite. Roast lamb, baked chicken, fish plaki, dolmathes, mousaka, pastitsio, spanakopita, tiropita, and greek salads are served in the dinner line. The outdoor taverna will feature gyros, souvlaki, and sausage sandwiches, chicken tenders for the kids, Greek fries cooked in olive oil, and calamari. A variety of homemade pastries and cookies are sold to eat-in or to take home. Sodas, Greek wines and domestic beers are sold outside. Kali Orexi!