Middle Eastern food festival a delight for the senses

Ann M. Augherton | Catholic Herald Managing Editor

Arabic sweets, from baklava to atayef, ricotta stuffed pancakes, are popular at the food festival. ANN M. AUGHERTON | Catholic Herald

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Baby goats, a cow, bunny and ducks are among the animals festivalgoers could encounter. ANN M. AUGHERTON | Catholic Herald

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Varieties of olives, oils and dressings are for sale at the food festival. ANN M. AUGHERTON | Catholic Herald

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Members of the parish dance group perform during the festival at Holy Transfiguration Church in McLean Aug. 31. ANN M. AUGHERTON | Catholic Herald

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Beautiful religious icons are for sale during the food festival. ANN M. AUGHERTON | Catholic Herald

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An organizational feat, the annual Middle Eastern Food Festival at Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek Catholic Church in McLean Aug. 31-Sept. 1 was a feast for the senses.

The scent of grilling meat, the sight of Arabic sweets and the sound of uplifting regional music filled the church grounds.

Vendors sold olives, native attire and olive wood crosses from Bethlehem. Baby goats at the petting zoo were as excited as the small children to make a connection.

Dancers from the parish group showcased their routines as picnickers feasted on typical Middle Eastern food.

Tours of the church were available featuring a glimpse of dozens of striking icons.

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