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Four-Day Greek Festival Kicks Off In Cherry Hill

By Michelle Durham

CHERRY HILL, Nj. (CBS) -- The 39th Annual Greek Agora got underway on Thursday in Cherry Hill. Tens of thousands of people were expected to attend the food and wine festival which wraps up on Sunday.

The Agora is a celebration of Greek life and Greek culture.

"A lot of food, a lot of games, a lot of dancing and a lot of arguing amongst fellow Greeks," says Co-Chair Alex Mastoris. "It brings the community together."

Greek food, games for the kids, dancing, Greek artwork, pastries and other wares for purchase, members of St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church volunteer their time at the event which is the fundraiser that keeps the church going all year long. One of them is Dr. Elias Iliadis, Cooper University Hospital Cardiologist by day and chef by night.

"I actually give all four days to the Gyro stand and make Gyros for my patients," Iliadis says.

(reporter): "It's heart friendly food?"

Dr. Elias Iliadis
(Dr. Elias Iliadis, cardiologist by day, chef by night.)

"It's been blessed by the priest," says Iliadis.

All kidding aside, Dr. Iliadis also has a booth where a number of preventative screenings are performed.

"Last year we identified three people who had diabetes who didn't know it," he says. "One of them has had a major life change. We consider that a life saved."

The festival runs from Thursday through Sunday.

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