Even COVID-19 couldn't end the tradition of Spokane, Washington's Greek Food Festival which returned this September to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, offering the Greek treats and delicacies that have kept people coming for 85 years.

After being canceled in 2020, organizers and fans were ready for the comeback of gyros, baklava, horiataiki, lamb, and a variety of activities, this year's event under the leadership of a new head priest, Daniel Triant and his wife, Michelle, said Inlander.

“When we got here the first thing we were asked was, ‘when is the festival happening and where are my gyros?’” he said. His wife was eager to jump in. “We were met with such excited and anticipatory folks,” she said. “It showed us just how much Spokane cherishes their traditions.”

Irene Supica, the head baker, said her team prepared 20,300 pastries. “Having to cancel last year was absolutely devastating for our church community as well as the community at large,” she said. “But this year, we have more people than ever coming out of the woodwork to help us put on an amazing festival.”

Now where's that baklava hiding?