The kitchen at the Hellenic Centre was buzzing early in the week with volunteers from local Greek eateries preparing food for the 18th annual Greek Festival, taking place this weekend.

“The food preparation is the most intricate part,” George Malis, festival chair, said. “People come for the traditional Greek dishes. The food is something of importance.”

Along with traditional dinners like pork souvlaki, chicken mousaka and spanakopita, a ladies’ group participating in the festival also serves homemade pastries, like baklava, galatobouriko, kataifi, and nut rolls, among others.

Malis said in the past, the three-day festival has attracted between 3,000 and 4,000 people.

“This is a get-together that has grown over the years,” he said.

When the festival first began, it took place in the parking lot outside the Hellenic Centre.

Malis said the food and ambiance at the area’s largest Greek festival have made it what it is.

“Part of the Greek culture is the warmth and atmosphere that brings people in,” he said.

Malis said close to two-thirds of about 150 local Greek families volunteer at the festival, and nearly all of them attend the annual event. People from other ethnic backgrounds also come to “be a Greek for a day.”

Malis said without the “dedicated, hard work of the volunteers,” the festival wouldn’t be as successful as it is.

Funds raised at the festival have traditionally gone to help local charities and organizations. Malis said this year, the festival will continue to support the hospital and the Sudbury Food Bank, as well as other groups.

Along with traditional food and drinks, the festival also features live music and traditional Greek dancing.

“This is where people get together,” Malis said. “It’s simply fun.”

The Greek Festival takes place all weekend at the Hellenic Centre, located at 486 Ester Rd., on the shores of St. Charles Lake.

Events run from 4 to 11 p.m. on July 23, from 11 a.m. to midnight on July 24 and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 25. Admission to the festival is free.