The St. Mark Egyptian Festival in Ripon is returninbg.

After a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual event is scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 24-25 on the grounds of the St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church, 315 Orange Ave.

Egyptian Festival 2022 will be exclusively outdoors – 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. – the Coptic Book Store will be moved outside next to the food booths.

Speaking of which, the Egyptian menu will again feature kebabs, falafel, beef shawarma, stuff grape leaves, moussaka, and baklava, to name a few.

A live Egyptian band will be performing.

Fun includes getting a henna tattoo, face painting and games including 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 and all are invited.

The festival times will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday (Sept. 24) and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday (Sept. 25).

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