Photographer / Brian Brosmer
The St. George Festival will be held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18 and 19 for the second time at St. George Orthodox Christian Church, 10748 E. 116th St. in Fishers. The church sponsored the Middle Eastern Festival for 17 years at its prior location in Indianapolis, and the newly revamped festival builds on that Middle Eastern heritage, offering many popular features of previous events.
“We’re still celebrating our Middle Eastern roots, but at the same time, we’re expanding the format,” explains Brad Tirey, festival director. “In the past, it’s been just food, drinks and dance. We are adding other activities, demonstrations, cultural events and more attractions for youth, including hot air balloons and a carnival area.”
Why change the name of the festival? Parish priest Father Nabil Hanna says, “We want to honor the various other traditions of all the people who have joined and make up St. George today. We are extremely diverse. We have people of backgrounds from many countries across the world.”
What’s different about this festival? “Two things,” says Father Nabil. “One is that it’s at our new location on 116th Street with a new Byzantine temple and beautiful iconography. The Indianapolis Star called it ‘the number one thing to see or do in Fishers this summer.’ We are inviting everybody to come and celebrate with us.”
Tours will explain the church’s unique architecture by award-winning Architect Christ Kamages, as well as iconography that was hand painted on the walls and ceiling by Master Iconographer Dr. George Kordis of the University of Athens, Greece.
“Secondly, we are trying to make the festival a little more interactive; not to just come, buy food and sit down with music playing in the background. You are able to move around, see different things, different demonstrations, try out different things while you are here,” explains Father Nabil.
What’s going to be the same as previous festivals? “Fantastic food, live entertainment and all of the welcoming people of St. George who want our guests to see what we’re about,” says Tirey. “We hope to continue the spirit of hospitality for which we have become known.”
“Last year was our very first festival in Fishers,” says Father Nabil. “We were still getting accustomed to the new location, but we were very happy to be receiving all of our guests. This year, we will be making it even better”
Festival hours are 5-11 p.m. on Friday, September 18 and from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, September 19. Free admission. Offsite parking is available for $5 at Fall Creek Community Church, 10401 E. 116th St. (within walking distance). Shuttle buses will run throughout the festival. Due to festival activities, parking at the St. George lot will not be available.
