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The Athens Grease Festival will be June 11, 21016, in downtown Athens. It is a celebration of fried foods and the Greek origins of the city's name. (Contributed by Athens Grease Festival)

The Athens Grease Festival, typically held in September, will be held June 11 this year on the Limestone County Courthouse Square. The festival, which was postponed from September 2015 because no power was available during renovations to the historic courthouse, celebrates the Greek origins of Athens' name, as well as southerners' love of fried foods. All kinds of fried foods will be available, from fried cupcakes to fried bologna sandwiches to fried Oreos. Festival-goers are asked to dress in togas and a toga contest will be held during the day.

"The blend of Greek and Southern results in a toga party on the city's historic Square with food like fried Sun-Drop cupcakes and fried bologna sandwiches and games like a frozen turkey toss," City of Athens spokeswoman Holly Hollman said.

The festival is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in downtown Athens. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 3-12, free for those 2 and younger. Those wearing togas get a $1 discount. The event will also feature music, children's art activities, contests, a mechanical bull and more.

Athens-Grease Goddess sought

Each year, a local woman is chosen to act as Athens-Grease Goddess. Like the mythical Athena, a wise goddess who loved and protected the City of Athens, Greece, the local Athena should demonstrate a willingness to give back to the city, Hollman said.

Maria Taylor served as Athens-Grease Goddess and the Athens Grease Festival in 2014. (Source: Athens Grease Festival Facebook page)

"She must be a Limestone County resident who works to improve the City of Athens through avenues such as volunteering with non-profits, with the arts, with youth, on a city board, or through environmental efforts. She can earn extra points for being known as a good cook," she said.

Organizers will accept nominations through April 22 at 4:30 p.m. Applications are available online on the Spirit of Athens, Athens Grease Festival and City of Athens Facebook pages, and the City of Athens website at www.athensal.us as well as at Athens City Hall.

"In our wonderful City of Athens, we have some of the most beautiful, powerful and influential women," said this year's festival chair Robbin Hines. "We have women who demonstrate intellect, compassion, self-sacrifice and strength, all for the sake of our community. That is what makes me excited about the Athena contest. We have an opportunity to shine a light on one of our community heroines."

The Grease Goddess will lead the opening ceremonies for the festival then retire to a throne of honor on the courthouse steps where she can watch the festivities.

Check out some odd fried foods from previous festivals: