St. George Festival INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The St. George Middle Eastern Festival returns to Fishers this weekend as St. George Orthodox Church celebrates a major milestone: 100 years of faith, fellowship and community. The three-day festival marks the 27th year of the annual celebration, bri nging Middle Eastern food, music, dancing and traditions to the community. The festival is more than an annual gathering for church members. It is an opportunity to share Middle Eastern culture, food and hospitality with the Central Indiana community. St. George Orthodox Church was established by Christian immigrants from Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan. The congregation’s first church building opened in 1926 at Sherman Drive and 26th Street. The congregation later moved to 42nd Street and Sherman Drive before building a new church in Fishers in 2012. The church is known for its distinctive dome. After 100 years in the Indianapolis area, the festival gives the congregation an opportunity to open its doors and share Middle Eastern Christian culture and Orthodox traditions with the community. Organizers expect between 7,000 and 8,000 people to attend the festival over the three-day event. Nearly 350 volunteers have spent months preparing for the celebration. Food is a major part of the festival, with a menu featuring traditional Middle Eastern dishes such as grape leaves, rice bowls, falafel sandwiches, hummus, cheese bread and za’atar bread. Visitors can also enjoy gyros, chicken sandwiches and kebab sandwiches, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. For dessert, festival favorites include butter cookies, katayef — pancake-style dough filled with walnuts and cinnamon — and baklava. Along with food, the festival will feature: Church tours Live music Folklore dancing A kids area Middle Eastern cultural traditions Hospitality remains at the heart of the celebration, with organizers inviting visitors to try new foods, learn about Middle Eastern traditions and experience the church’s culture. Festival Details Where: St. George Orthodox Church in FishersWhen: September 18-20 Expected attendance: 7,000-8,000 peopleFeatures: Middle Eastern food, church tours, live music, folklore dancing and a kids areaFood options: Vegetarian and gluten-free options availableVolunteers: Nearly 350 The St. George Middle Eastern Festival celebrates the church’s heritage while welcoming people from across Central Indiana. After a century in the community, the festival is an opportunity to honor the congregation’s history while continuing to share its culture and traditions with future generations. For more information, visit St. George Middle Eastern Festival or St. George Orthodox Church. ...read more read less