"No other festival on the West Coast highlights table grapes on its menu and we're proud to distinguish our event with them," said Ted Pastras, chair of the hugely popular annual L.A. Greek Fest.

The largest event of its kind in Southern California, the L.A. Greek Fest noted increased attendance and income which benefits area charities and ministries, despite a slow economy.

Hronis, Inc., centered in Delano, Calif., showcased its southern San Joaquin Valley Princess, Flame and Autumn Royal table grape varieties before a long list of show-goers, including VIPs and movie stars such as Oscar-winning star Tom Hanks, star of recent films such as "Angels & Demons," "Charlie Wilson’s War" and "The DaVinci Code," his wife, star/producer Rita Wilson and Nia Vardalos, actress/writer of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," and actress/producer of the TV show "My Big Fat Greek Life."

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a regular attendee and supporter of the annual festival, visited the event and sampled the table grapes, as well.

Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, whose parents were born in Greece, again served as honorary chairs/guest hosts of the three-day event. 

Hronis, Inc. has received very positive response in the past two years for involvement in the popular L.A. Greek Fest, but this year, owners of the family operated table grape and citrus growing, packing and shipping business were very pleased with visitors’ and the show’s response to its premium table grapes. A major sponsor of the event, Hronis, Inc., donated all of the table grapes for this festival.

"The table grapes provided by Hronis, Inc. are a huge plus to the festival presentation," Pastras said.  "They provide an added highlight to the dining experience as well as infusing a special panache to the atmosphere and festivities that have become unique to the L.A. Greek Fest."  

"This was another record-breaking year for the L.A. Greek Fest, the largest and No. 1 Greek festival in So. California," said Pastras. "Notwithstanding a weak economic environment, attendance was up slightly from last year (38,000 - 40,000) and overall sales and revenue increased about 8 percent."  

L.A. Greek Fest proceeds benefit ministries and charities of the Cathedral and neighborhood revitalization programs of the Byzantine-Latino Quarter.  

"LA Magazine" has recognized LA Greek Fest as one of the "must-see, must-do" fall events in Southern California.  The three-day festival was held on the Grand Plaza grounds of Saint Sophia Cathedral in downtown Los Angeles.

To find out more about the next event, L.A. Greek Fest 2010, call them at 323-737-2424 or visit their web site: http://www.lagreekfest.com/.

 (Photos by Nick Hronis)

Hronis, Inc. table grapes were front and center with the stars and VIPs during the 2009 L.A. Greek Festival.
Above: Stars, Rita Wilson, second from left, and husband Tom Hanks, are flanked by Greecian hostesses offering samples.
Left: L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, event supporter, chats with visitors and enjoys Flame table grapes.
Below: Nia Vardalos, actress/ writer of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, center, with Alexander the Great (Greg Cannone) and Aphrodite (Oriana Tavoularis).