Clear Lake Greek Festival

We came out to see the Greek Fest at Clear Lake Park and far as or experience i would have to agree with Gail it was an ok experience. The gyro was really good but needed more sauce. Had the shaved ice piña colada which was really good. We were expecting more vendors for choices. But overall people were having a good time enjoying the live entertainment, wine, and food.

I discovered the Clear Lake Greek Festival when I saw a billboard of it on Old Galveston Rd. I had no idea Clear Lake had anything Greek.
The Annual Greek festival is presented by St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox church. At the large Clear Lake park Landolt Pavillion.
Happily, I decided to attend. I’m not a big fan on paying to go to a festivals, but I see now paying the small fee ensures you safety and complimentary mishaps if something happens. Like for my case.
The Clear Lake Greek festival is annual and over the years they have fluctuated with their prices. I was glad the price was only $ 3 for entrance and kids under 12 is free. But I don’t agree that you have to pay again if you came once before. In my case, this festival is money needy. I know the proceeds are for a good cause but not everyone is wealthy for a few dollars to spend. It should be way where you can pay once and a ticket is given and if you like to return again you can get in free with the ticket or have cuisine free/​free entrance.
Once you pay to enter, there will be booths for novelty Greek related items such as shirts, handmade jewelry, belly dancer coined belt or skirts, etc you can purchase. The Mediterraneo Market & Café had a booth there also selling goods and along the sides were Greek cuisine and beverage for sale. So, you can picture how much cash related this festival was.
So, my experience at the festival was iffy. When I first came I greeted by 2 lovely women one with a beautiful accent. The one with the beautiful accent was nice the other one wasn’t so much.
I was the only dark skinned person there. Some of the vendors were rude towards me that they didn’t even acknowledge me when I came to their booth.
I walked around exploring the event and sailed out to the gyro booth. The gyros were $ 8. The meat was seasoned very well, large amounts on top. The bottom lined with tomatoes and tzatziki sauce. I wish the sauce was drizzled on top and throughout, but it wasn’t though it was still tasty.
After purchasing my gyro and finding a seat. The tzatziki sauce dripped on my hands, so I turned around to the booth behind me to grab some napkins. When I turned back around my gyro was gone!!! Someone had accidently trashed it!
I panicked and asked the women sitting literally right next to me did they see anyone take my gyro. Both of them indifferently said no. So, asked the booth where I got the napkins and the lady there also said no there.
I stormed out from the festival heading for the exit, because I was so disappointed. The lovely lady in the beginning asked what was wrong & why I leaving so soon. Then Jimmy, the event helper overheard me and asked what happened. I told him, he gracefully offered to get me another gyro or whatever cuisine I wanted. So, I could enjoy my stay here.
Thank you, Jimmy! His complementary politeness turned my frown to a smile. He was nicer than any vendor or person at the festival.
I don’t usually like Baklava, due to thin layers and how others I tasted. But this Baklava was so sweet honey tasting with cinnamon. Yum! The Melomakarouma was my first time having it mm. light tasting great!
Performers were the Angels and Asteria. The Angels consisted of a younger group of preteen girls and boys and the Asteria was older girls. They all dressed up in traditional costumes. An amazing fantastic performance from Alex, he dropped down in a matrix pose for a solo dance. Wow, was he talented and skilled. all of people around rained some money over him as we chanted OPA!
A few songs that were played when the performers danced: Pes To Mou Xana (Bar Bull Remix) by Nikos Vertis and Den S’Adiko by Natassa Theodoridou.
This festival also has a small fair on the outside near the pavillion and a 2 unrelated greek vendors. There is a Toga Fun Run too.
Parking was free, could be a little hard to find a spot nearby though.
Overall, the festival was a okay experience. If you come don’t leave your plate on the table, because someone walking around will trash it. Bring lots of cash, no cards and pets aren’t allowed.