SACO — It takes more than 5,000 pieces of Baklava to prepare for the annual Greek Festival at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.

And though that might seem like an unfathomable amount, it all gets consumed.

“Last year, it was sold out by noon on Sunday,” said parishioner Julie Agoritsas, who was supervising baking operations earlier this week at the church.

Baklava is the most popular pastry, she said. However, there are many other choices ”“ karithopita, a honey cake; galatoboureko, a baked custard; and loukomathes, small, fried pastries with honey syrup and walnuts ”“ to name a few.

The 18th annual festival runs Friday through Sunday, and dinner and lunch will also be served, with items that include spanakopita, or spinach pie, lamb shish-kabob, and stuffed grape leaves.

A dedicated team of female parishioners have spent many hours baking for the festival, using time-tested recipes.

“They’ve been doing it for years,” said Agoritsas.

There will also be Greek music and dancing, tours of the church, a Greek market, and a bookstore with religious items.

Parishioner Paul McDowell helps run the bookstore, selling Greek Orthodox items that include not only books, but soaps and incense made of natural ingredients, some of which support monasteries.

“The festival isn’t all food, it’s about faith,” he said.

The store supplies the needs of devoted Greek Orthodox as well as those seeking to learn more, said McDowell.

The festival runs Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 186 Bradley St. Free parking is available at the church, and free satellite parking and shuttle service will run from the Saco Parks and Recreation Center and Shaw’s Plaza Friday and Saturday from 5-10 p.m.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.