"We like to have fun:" Greek Fest is underway at State Fair Park

MILWAUKEE -- Opa! Greek Fest 2016 kicked off Friday, June 24th and will run until June 26th at Wisconsin State Fair Park.

"It's a celebration of the Greek culture," said Michael Stavropoulos, Greek Fest chairman.

Michael Stavropoulos is in his second year as Greek Fest chairman.

"We're a lively bunch. We like to have fun. We like to cook. We like to dance. We love family. We love our faith. So, that's what it's all about," said Stavropoulos.

Stavropoulos manages a group of about 300 volunteers who share their services, and their goods, to get down at Greek Fest.

"There's so many different personalities here, all working hard. I try to bring as much love to the festival as possible, so everyone is working together-- because the more we work together, the more it becomes fun, and more people we attract to the festival to work, for free," said Stavropoulos.

Billed as a family event, Greek Fest serves as a fundraiser for the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.

"Between the smells of the food, the taste of the food, the dancers, the Greek band, the two American bands we have coming -- it's fun," said Stavropoulos.

Speaking of those dancers, Dionisios Tsioutsiopoulos says these moves having meaning.

"This is one of the -- the longest lasting traditions in our culture. We've danced from back in B.C. We've danced on  the hills -- before battles. We've danced after battles, victories, and everything. So, extremely significant in the culture," said Tsioutsiopoulos, Annunciation Hellenic dancers.

And Tsioutsiopoulos says be aware, when folks get here, they get Greek.

"You try the Saganaki and you're like, 'Yes. I'm Greek,'" said Tsioutsiopoulos.

Greek Fest runs through Sunday at State Fair Park. Greek Fest organizers say they anticipate selling between 4,000 and 5,000 Greek chickens during the three-day festival.