Brooklynites flocked in droves to the 11th annual Holy Cross Greek Festival, held between 84th and 86thStreets along Ridge Boulevard.
Attendees enjoyed Greek cuisine such as souvlaki and roasted pig as well as pastries such as Loukoumades. Games, raffles and dancing are also fixtures of the festivities. Children enjoyed rides such as a carousel, carnival games and a large fun house.
“The festival was very successful for the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church,” said Sandy Vallas, a past president of the parish council. “It serves as a fundraiser for the church and brings Greek culture to people that haven’t experienced it before. We had a very nice turnout. A lot of people showed up. We had lots of rides, events, pastries, different Greek food, like gyros.”
A new addition to this year was Taverna Nights Live at the Stavroula Gabriel Community Center, which included live performances by Yianni Papastefanou and Vaggelis Kouris.
Years ago, the famous festival took a hiatus much to the dismay of residents. “A few years back when we stopped it doing it, people wondered what happened,” Vallas recalled. “When we resurrected it, people were thrilled that it was back. The community really looks forward to it.”
Sponsors for the event included Maimonides Medical Center, Alma Bank, Investors Bank and Atlantic Bank. Vallas was thankful for all the volunteers that made the weekend a success “The festival is one of our biggest fundraisers thanks to the help of everyone at Holy Cross Church. People work really hard to make it possible.”
This year’s festivities started on Friday, September 19 and concluded on Sunday, September 21.
The cooks showed off their hard work.Conor Lugo and mom Rebecca on the carousel.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
