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Updated: July 2, 2009, 3:05 pm	Share    Print    Email

Kelly Ripa at last year's event taking time out to greet the young dancers. Photo courtesy of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons

Festivities last year included Eleni Prieston enjoying a traditional dance.

Southampton - If your wanderlust has you yearning for a trip to the Greek Isles and your taste buds have you craving for dolmades, souvlaki and loukoumades, don't fret - the Hamptons Greek Festival is just around the corner and we have it on good sources that the ladies have been slicing, dicing and stuffing, cooking up this year's handmade dishes for the annual celebration.

The festival, which runs from Thursday, July 9 through Sunday, July 12 at the Church grounds in 111 St. Andrews Road in Southampton, is the 24th installment of the fair which brings the taste, sounds and spirit of Greece to life for those smart enough to drop by. Festival organizers have been carrying on the local tradition for 24 years which assures that the menu has tantalized taste buds of thousands who travel from points near and far to join in the festivities.

That tradition of excellence continues this year as the organizers of the 2009 Hamptons Greek Festival feature the traditional lamb, Greek style chicken, pastitsio, moussaka, spanakopita, tiropita, souvlaki and gyro. Under the tents, a spirited parade of the young and the young at heart dance to traditional songs and visit friends and neighbors over lunch or dinner, or drop in for a late afternoon sweet. Wander among the vendors tent to find imported Greek olive oil, coffees, traditional clothing and jewelry.

A committee of food preparers ready specialties for the three day celebration

The 2009 Hamptons Greek Festival is expected to surpass last year's attendance as the guests of last July's festivities return with their families and friends to partake of the rich tradition, topped by live music each night performed by the Trojans.

Festival hours are 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 12 noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and 12 noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Bracelet day is everyday. The Festival is located at the Greek Orthodox Church at 111 St. Andrews Road and is easily accessible from both the Sunrise and Montauk Highways in Southampton. Ample free parking will be offered at nearby Stony Brook University Southampton Campus with a free shuttle bus service for all festival guests.

Opa!