Preparations are underway as Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Egg Harbor Township is set to host its 41st Annual Greek Festival this coming weekend. Tens of thousands are anticipated to file in for the four-day event, known for serving up authentic Greek food and favorites the entire family will love. Adding to the excitement will be amusement rides, Greek merchandise, raffle drawings, and the return of fireworks.
Inside the kitchen, nearly a dozen diligent volunteers have been making the pastries that will be served up for the weekend-long event. Kelly Kyriakou is one of the confectioners. “You’ve got to take pride in your work.”
Over the past two weeks, Kyriakou has been preparing savory desserts such as galaktoboureko, cream custard baked in crispy golden dough, known as filo, topped with succulent syrup. We asked what makes this dessert particularly special. “It’s the taste of the cream and the consistency with the filo and syrup on top, and everything all together. It’s just beautiful.”
Another popular dessert item on the menu is baklava, a blend of delicate spices and crushed walnuts, layered in flaky filo with butter and syrup topping. Or enjoy some warm and delicious loukoumades. The donuts are fried in honey syrup and dusted with cinnamon. It is truly a taste bud sensation.
And despite the long lines, it is hard to pass up the gyro stand at Greek Fest. Each dish includes slices of lamb, beef, or chicken, and is topped with tomatoes, onions, and zesty tzatziki sauce, served on warm pita bread. No matter what you are craving, Greek Fest will have something for every palate.
Each day of the event will feature an incredible lineup of entertainment. Attendees can enjoy Greek dancing from its junior and adult dance groups all weekend long, and DJ Khan will be spinning all your favorite Greek tunes Saturday night starting at 7 p.m. Amusement rides will also be open throughout the duration of the event, with special discounted ride tickets all day Thursday and on Sunday.
This year will also mark the return of a magnificent fireworks show that will light the night sky on Thursday and Sunday evening. Athena Sacco says the display is returning thanks to overwhelming demand. “People were disappointed last year, but we’re going to bring it back, and I think it will be a nice addition.”
Attendees can also enjoy daily church tours starting at 6 p.m. There will be plenty of raffle drawings, including a 50/50, and this year’s Grand Raffle winner will ride away with this year’s prize: an X-Pro Milos 50 Moped.
An event such as this takes plenty of planning and organization. Sacco credits the countless staff and volunteers who dedicate their time to make Greek Fest a success. “It is a big event; we can’t do it alone.”
The Holy Trinity Greek Festival runs Thursday, June 5 – Sunday, June 8. Hours are Thursday and Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday 12 to 11 p.m., and Sunday 12 to 10 p.m. The church is located at 7004 Ridge Avenue in Egg Harbor Township. Admission is only $1 at the door, and children under 5 are free. There will be plenty of free parking for all who attend.
For more information, including a complete event schedule and food menu, visit www.holytrinityeggharbor.com.
Photos by Steffen Klenk
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
