Everyone knows - or at least every Jew knows - the story of Hanukkah's origins, the story of how just a tiny amount of oil miraculously burned for eight days. And they know that, in the spirit of that story, Hanukkah is celebrated in part by eating foods fried in oil, such as latkes and doughnuts.

After 17 years in Ahwatukee Foothills the Annual Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party only continues to grow.

A Taste of Greece: Experience Greek culture, music and food at this annual festival featuring live entertainment, dancing, a mini Greek village and a kids zone. Receive two free admission tickets by liking ‘A Taste of Greece AZ Greek Festival’ on Facebook.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — To begin: This is not a story about Ron Paul.

The three day celebration includes Greek food, pastries, wine, beer, music, folk dancing and a kid zone.

The Greeks have a word for it — “thav-ma-sios” — which means “wonderful.” And wonderful is what attendees will experience Oct. 21-23 at the 24th annual “Taste of Greece” festival hosted by St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church in Peoria.

The Greeks have a word for it — “thav-ma-sios” — which means “wonderful.” And wonderful is what attendees will experience Oct. 21-23 at the 24th annual “Taste of Greece” festival hosted by St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church in Peoria.

The Greeks have a word for it — “thav-ma-sios” — which means “wonderful.” And wonderful is what attendees will experience Oct. 21-23 at the 24th annual “Taste of Greece” festival hosted by St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church in Peoria.

The Greeks have a word for it — “thav-ma-sios” — which means “wonderful.” And wonderful is what attendees will experience Oct. 21-23 at the 24th annual “Taste of Greece” festival hosted by St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church in Peoria.

At the Taste of Greece Festival, volunteers making authentic recipes by hand really put the “taste” in the festival’s name.

At the Taste of Greece Festival, volunteers making authentic recipes by hand really put the “taste” in the festival’s name.

At the Taste of Greece Festival, volunteers making authentic recipes by hand really put the “taste” in the festival’s name.

The summer of 2010 is shaping up as one of sequels, even more movies in 3-D and adaptations of books (comic and otherwise). Big names, from Russell Crowe, Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio to Angelina Jolie and Julia Roberts, will be sprinkled throughout the season.

All across Arizona, communities are planning festivities filled with the spirit of the holiday season: parades, lights festivals, arts markets and fairs filled with wonderful items for gift-giving, concerts, caroling, the Southwestern treat of luminaria displays. Here are four events to get you in the spirit: