‘Brighten our spirits’: Greek Fest brings normalcy to some in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Greek Festival is back this weekend after being postponed due to Hurricane Helene. 

It’s at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, which helped serve first responders as people recovered from Helene. 

People say this weekend is going to be a breath of fresh air for them.   

It’s one of the first big events downtown since Helene, and it definitely reflected that Friday night. 

“We needed something to brighten our spirits and to give us something to a little bit of a distraction from all the chaos,” said festival attendee Donald Case.  

Case says it’s wholesome to enjoy Greek culture, the food and the community again. 

“After the hurricane and all the craziness we’ve been dealing with, having something like this to give us a chance to relax and enjoy a little bit of food and a little bit of entertainment. It’s a blessing,” said Case. 

Organizers say it was a challenge moving food and supplies around after the storm postponed plans, but they say it was important to bring normalcy to Augusta. 

Michelle Ennis, chairman of Greek Festival, said: “People were trying to put their lives back together. And so that was probably the biggest challenge, but we’ve we pushed through it.” 

They set up shop at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church during the worst of it to feed first responders in need. 

“We decided to put together some kind of response. We wanted to do it in a positive way, and we felt like that was something good that we could do,” said Ennis. 

It’s a weekend escape for many, and some say they’re ready for everything that comes with it. 

Jeff Padgett, a festival attendee, said: “I think it’s going to be a really good turnout, exactly because of that, because people want to get out again and be with people.” 

Case said: “More vendors, more food like they’ve got their food game a little bit. It’s just gotten better and better each year.” 

If you missed Friday, you’re not out of luck.  

You can still enjoy plenty of Greek culture and festivities throughout the rest of the weekend.  

They are open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

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