54th annual Pasadena Greek Fest coming in mid-September

This looks like fun in the sun as Los Angeles’ Greek community celebrates its heritage for the 54th time — hey, that means the first such festival was held way back in the middle of the last century in 1958. That’s pre-Beatles, pre-Rolling Stones and pre-“Summer of Love.�

It’s a three-day affair, from Friday, Sept. 14, to Sunday, Sept. 16, held at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. And you certainly can’t beat the price of admission, just $5 and kids under 12 get in free.

What’s to do? Why eat, of course — Greek salad, spanakopita, kabobs, baklava, etc. You can taste Greek wines and visit with Greek winemakers, watch cooking demonstrations, listen to music and shop for all things Greek. And for those impatient fathers and boyfriends, there’s a sports bar where they can enjoy themselves while you take in folk dancing or play carnival games with the kids.

The festival includes an old-fashioned raffle too, with chances to win a $2,500 travel certificate, and all sorts of other goodies. Proceeds of the event benefit the cultural, educational and community outreach programs run by Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena.

Pasadena Greek Fest, Santa Anita Park, 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia. Friday, Sept. 14, 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 15, and Sunday, Sept. 16, noon to 10 p.m. Parking is $4 at the main entrance of Santa Anita Park at Holly and Huntington Drive. Admission is $5; free for kids under 12. Call (626) 600-1672 for more information or visit www.pasadenagreekfest.org.

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