St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church
722 Knob Hill Ave
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
www.stkatherinegoc.org
Elina Demis
(310)775-7185
elinad94@yahoo.com
February 24, 2021
For Immediate Release
Annual South Bay Greek Festival Returns Sept. 24-26
Save the Date! Come enjoy food, friends, and fun at a COVID-19-safe event
REDONDO BEACH, Calif. — The South Bay Greek Festival will be returning this year at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Redondo Beach on September 24-26, after being canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing and face coverings will be required to provide maximum safety, while also allowing people to enjoy themselves and have fun.
Attendees can expect to see most of their favorite aspects of the festival back in action, from music to authentic handmade Greek food, such as gyros, baklava, and much more. Thousands of volunteers work tirelessly for months preparing everything for guests to enjoy. However, live entertainment and dancing will not be available this year to avoid guests gathering in one place for too long. All the proceeds go to the church, which allows them to continue serving the community. The festival, which usually takes place in mid-July, is a favorite among locals and non-locals alike.
“I come every year, mainly for the food but also to experience a culture different from my own,” said Melisa Bivian, who lives near Downtown Los Angeles, “I’m so glad for it to be back this year.”
St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church was founded in 1954 and has held the festival since 1964. Originally the event was at Torrance Park, but in 1990 moved to the church grounds. The festival’s long history made last year’s decision to cancel the event even more difficult, but the overwhelming positivity from the community was a reminder that the event wouldn’t be possible without their amazing support.
“We appreciate the South Bay community for understanding our commitment to their health and safety,” said Father Michael Courey, the priest at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, “We thank everyone for their patience throughout the last year and hope to see them at the festival in a few months.”
Not only are guests looking forward to the festival’s return, but the volunteers at the church are also extremely grateful to welcome people back again.
“I was so sad not having it last year,” said Andrea Ballas, one of the parishioners, “It just felt like something was missing and it’s so nice to have it come back.”
Be sure to save the date so you don’t miss out on the amazing food and family fun! For tickets and more information visit www.sbgreekfestival.com.
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Planning Sheet
Public Relations Situation: Announcing the return of the South Bay Greek Festival
Key Publics:
- People and families in the South Bay
- Beachgoers/Tourists nearby or passing through
- Other Greek Orthodox people in the LA area
Core News: The South Bay Greek Festival will be returning safely after being canceled last year
due to COVID-19.
Benefit Statement: The South Bay Greek Festival will take place on Sept. 24-26 and be COVID-
19 safe to allow people to get out of their homes and have a bit of fun.
Tone of Message: Happy, Welcoming
Intended Outcomes: To encourage people to save the date and attend the event
Action Statement: Save the date or go to the website to buy tickets
Readability Range: 9th grade+
Publications: Daily Breeze, The Beach Reporter, Easy Reader, Our South Bay Magazine, The
National Herald, Greek Reporter, Hellenic Journal, Orthodox Observer, The Greekend
Type of Lead: What