One of the big attractions at the St. Mark Egyptian Festival in Ripon, of course, is the food.

The annual two-day event returns this weekend. It will feature many of the favorites – shih kabob, falafel, beef shawarma, stuff grape leaves, and baklava – along with zalabia, macaroni bechamel, and filo cheese triangles, to name a few.

The annual Egyptian Festival is this Saturday (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) at St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church, 315 Orange Ave.

After a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Egyptian Festival 2022 returns as an exclusively outdoor cultural celebration – the church purchased the adjacent property a few years ago, allowing for the extra outside space.

The Pharaoh Bazaar boutique with everything Egyptian – traditional clothes, apparel, souvenirs, etc. – and the Coptic Book Store will both be moved outside next to the food booths.

A live Egyptian band will be performing.

Fun includes getting a henna tattoo, face painting and games coupled with bounce houses for the children.

Church tours will be offered every hour.

St. Mark’s is similar to the Orthodox churches of over 2,000 years ago.

The local church is adorned with stained-glass windows along with the series of paintings in handmade picture frames of Jesus, from birth, life, death and resurrection.

In addition, the Egyptian Festival will feature a Special Café consisting of hot and cold drinks, Arabic coffees, and smoothies.

Admission is free to the public.

Log on to St. Mark Egyptian Festival on Facebook for more updates and information.