As it did in June, hoping it wouldn't happen again, the Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church in Oakmont, Pennsylvania's October festival also had to be a drive-through because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Co-chair Andy Gavrilos told Trib Live the church hoped to generate more revenue this year after having to cut menu items and activities for the annual food festival earlier. 

“The church still has expenses,” he said. “We’re painting. We’re trying to improve the grounds, and obviously that takes cash. We were very fortunate (at the festival). We had a successful weekend and just thought maybe we’d do one more. People still ask us all the time if we’re going to do it again. 

“We’ve never done anything in the fall. It kind of gives us a good measuring stick if we want to do something moving forward or not,” he added. 

volunteer Kristin Ioannou said, “ideally an in-person Greek Food Festival would be our first choice, but under the circumstances, not being able to gather together, this is an opportunity for us to be able to share our food and keep people safe.”