In just three years, the Anderson Greek Festival has become an appointment festival going for those in the Electric City and beyond. The food, the culture and the atmosphere is undeniable and the organizers of this event can’t believe just how quickly its popularity has grown.

“It’s a wonderful and pleasant surprise,” said Bill Stathakis, Anderson Greek Festival chairman. “It’s a true festival and I think people really get that.”

Anderson’s third annual Greek Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday at the Anderson County Farmer’s Market. Featuring authentic Greek food, entertainment and demonstrations, as well as a silent auction and plenty of fellowship, this event has grown in just a few years.

The Greek Festival is 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The event centers around the food, first and foremost, Stathakis said. After all, the Greek culture is known for delicious cuisine from the gyro and souvlaki to desserts of all shapes, sizes and flavors.

“Nothing is pre-cooked or pre-prepared,” Stathakis said. “Everything is made by volunteers and right before the event.”

The festival is also known for great entertainment from Greek dancers throughout South Carolina, Kostas Kastanis and Players and authentic Greek bands.

Organizers realized very early on that to keep people coming they would have to add things from time to time.

George’s Taverna has been erected and set up to replicate a true outdoors Greek restaurant. The area will serve lamb chops and lamb stew as well as appetizer plates, Greek salads and, most importantly, Greek wine and beer on Saturday.

There will also be Niko’s Souvlakia with pork and chicken kebabs and a grilled shrimp plate.

The silent auction will be held outside this year with many more items and a trolley service will be available to take festival goers from parking (at the Wachovia and SunTrust bank lots) to the event on Saturday.

“This is an outdoor festival in the true sense of Greece in the summer and fall,” Stathakis said. “It’s a celebration of the culture.”

It’s also taking place at a sad time for the community. George Rozakos, owner of Pete’s on Concord and avid volunteer for the festival, passed away recently. This year’s festival has been dedicated in his honor.

The proceeds from the event will go to the Paracletos Greek Orthodox Monastery in Antreville and a special lemonade booth will be set up for a child’s cancer foundation.

IF YOU GO

What: Anderson’s third annual Greek Festival

When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Where: Anderson County Farmer’s Market, 402 N. Murray Ave., Anderson

Admission: Free