DES MOINES, Iowa — The 45th annual Greek Food Fair Festival is taking place this weekend, and while it’s known for its delicious food and cultural performances, the festival has a greater impact on the Orthodox community in Des Moines.

The festival is organized by the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, and the St. Demetrius Serbian Orthodox Church also takes part. Greek and Serbian food draw hundreds of people to the Drake neighborhood during the first weekend in June every year.

Peter Caldbeck, the Vice President of the Greek Orthodox Church, said that the festival is their largest fundraiser every year and is what allows them to stay in the community.

The building that the Church is in was built in 1906 and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Proceeds from the festival help with the upkeep of the building.

“We’ve been an anchor here for over 100 years, so that’s something we take pride in and it helps with just the upkeep in the building and the running of the Church and our parish,” he said.

Caldbeck said the Church redid their roof last month and last year’s proceeds helped finance that project.

The festival kicks off at 11 a.m. on Saturday and ends at 8 p.m.

A new attraction this year is a free shuttle. People can part in the north lot of the Franklin Events Center, and a shuttle will arrive every twenty minutes to pick up people and take them to the Church.

The Franklin Events Center is located at 4801 Franklin Avenue in Des Moines. Click here for the shuttle schedule.