GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Fifteen years ago, Esther Koukios co-founded the Grand Rapids Greek Cultural Festival to strengthen the Greek traditions in its youth.
14 festivals later, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is sharing its food, music and dance with over 80,000 attendees over the course of its two-day festival.
Thousands fill the parking lot of the church. The aroma of spices, grilled meats and flaming cheese wafts from one side and the sweet smells of cinnamon and honey wash over you from the other.
The lines of hungry customers may wind through much of the festival grounds, but with 15 years of practice, the volunteers have learned how to move quickly…