Avon's St. Clement Church to Host Annual Macedonian Festival This Weekend

The Third Annual Macedonian Ilinden festival featuring the tasty flavors of Macedonia, the music, the dancing and more, starts Friday in Avon and runs through Sunday, July 29.

The event, held at in Avon, is free and open to the public and includes items such as the traditional Macedonian kebobs, chicken giros, peasants meat, and delicious homemade baklava and other sweets.
“This is one of the largest Church Festivals in Avon, showcasing Macedonian community from greater Cleveland area,” festival spokesperson, Nikola Dzodzo, said. “This annual family event is attended by thousands that come from all corners of Northeast Ohio and as far as Detroit and Buffalo.”

Visitors can look forward to feasting on Macedonian cuisine, pastries and wines as live Macedonian music fills the air and “Oro” line dancers, providing entertainment. “Everyone is Macedonian this weekend,” Dzodzo said.

Three years ago, the church started the Macedonian festival, marking the anniversary of Ilinden Uprising (a courageous 1903 uprising of the Macedonians against the Ottoman Empire that took place in the town of Krushevo).

The festival goal was to serve as a fund-raiser for the church and also to showcase the Macedonian history and culture through ethnic food, drinks and music. After two successful years, the festival has become a tradition and the biggest event organized by Macedonian community in Northeast Ohio.

Dzodzo said more than 3,000 attendees are expected at the festival, now in its third year. Live music will be performed every day.

The festival will take place indoors and outside.

Inside, visitor can take a church tour,  and enjoy Macedonian pastry and coffee, an air conditioned dining room, Macedonian culture and history exhibits, promotional videos and music and purchase Macedonian cookbooks.

Outdoors will feature a food tent, bar & wine tasting tent, dining tents seating area, live Macedonian music, Oro folk dancing and a children’s play area  featuring bounce houses, home depot workshop and games.

Parking for the festival is free.

DATES AND TIMES:

• Friday, July 27 2-10 p.m.
• Saturday, July 28  Noon - 10 p.m.
• Sunday, July 29 Noon -  8 p.m.

LOCATION:

• St. Clement of Ohrid, Macedonian Orthodox Church
  38665 French Creek Rd., Avon, Ohio