Good food, good times at the center of upcoming regional festivals
Friday, April 27, 2018
(News 12 NBC 26 News At 11)
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- From experiencing Greek culture in Downtown Augusta to enjoying the blues and brews in Columbia County, plenty of things are happening around the River Region this weekend - all centered around good food and good friends.
No matter if you're in Richmond, Aiken or Columbia County, there's a taste for just about everyone.
From the music and dancing to the boutiques, there's a lot to find at downtown Augusta's Greek festival. But Dino Dakuras will tell you it's all about the food.
"Some of the people that're coming today that have been here for the last 10, 15 years remember things we experienced before," Dakuras says, "and it all centers around food, right? So food brings this whole thing together."
That good cooking bringing people together all across the area this weekend. Just up Washington Road in Evans, you'll find Boots, Brews and Barbeque where folks like Jermel Bennett with Smokeshow are serving up plenty comfort.
"The hash and rice is a family recipe, the macaroni and cheese is a family recipe," Bennett says. "Everything we sell is pretty much tradition and passed down. I think that's what makes us unique."
He says when you mix a cold one and some good food -- the last thing you'll feel is the blues.
"I mean, we feel like Evans is our backyard," Bennett says, "so when we come out here we want to put on a good show ourselves and we bring out best stuff out here to sell."
Dakuras says no matter where you are this weekend, it's all about who you're with that makes the difference.
"It's just great to see different faces, but it's also great to see the same faces. You build a lot of relationships with the people in this town. Augusta, I always say, is the biggest 'little' city you'll ever be a part of, so it's very special."
The Greek Festival is going all weekend long, that's at the corner of Tenth and Greene Street. There's also the Strawberry Festival happening at Our Lady Peace in North Augusta on Saturday. Check our website for more information on the upcoming weekend events.
