Our Lady of Lebanon Church celebrates 91st annual Lebanese Festival

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — If you’re looking for an event with authentic food, live music, and good company, look no further than the Lebanese Festival.

Ninety-one years of tradition brought together by the parishioners of this historic church have culminated a truly wonderful and one-of-a-kind experience.

Stuffed grape leaves, spinach pies and kabobs are just a few dishes featured at the fest. Chairperson Mark McLaughlin shares what other traditional foods are worth a try.

“You’re going to have hummus, tabouli, pastries – some of our pastries are delicious, maamoul is an example. There are gyros available.”

Mark McLaughlin, Chairperson for the Lebanese festival

Monsignor Bakhos, pastor at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, says many people travel to the event to reconnect with their roots.

“Many people have nostalgia to this festival. They come from all corners of the United States to attend here and to reminisce their childhood memories since their great-grandparents originated from wheeling.”

Pastor Monsignor Bakhos, Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church

Both McLaughlin and Bakhos say generations of tradition are passed on through this event. McLaughlin recounts a time when members of his family worked the festival.

“My grandparents came here in the early 1900s, my mother, my grandmother, and my family, they all worked the festival. So, it’s up to us to maintain that and try to grow and build it into our children so they maintain and keep growing like we have done.”

Mark McLaughlin, Chairperson for the Lebanese festival

McLaughlin says it’s important to maintain Lebanese culture and heritage, and it’s something that everyone at the fest takes pride in.

It’s also a chance to prepare for the Feast of the Assumption coming up on August 15 ^th .

All funds raised from this event go towards Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church.

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