Annual Greek Festival in Bay Ridge draws thousands

BAY RIDGE — The Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church of Brooklyn hosted its annual Greek Festival from Sept. 20 to Sept. 22 on Ridge Boulevard between 84th and 86th Streets, drawing thousands of spectators and raking in over $100,000, according to festival co-chair Demetrius Kalamaras.

The decades’ old neighborhood festival pays homage to Greek culture in Bay Ridge, which has the second largest population of Greeks outside of Astoria and Greece.

Patrons waiting their turn to partake in some Greek pastries. Photo by Arthur De Gaeta

“The funding helps with the various services the church provides to the community, such as senior programs, youth programs, scouting programs and our school,” Kalamaras told the Brooklyn Eagle.

The event offered an abundance of Greek food from head chef Tina Nass