Throngs Come to be Greek for a Day at Bayshore Greek Festival

Devoted fans of the annual Bayshore Greek Festival held at Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church in Holmdel will undoubtedly attest to the fact that it somehow manages to get better each year – and the 2019 rendition was no exception! This year’s festival was held from June 6 through June 9, with weather as glorious as the cultural celebration itself throughout the four days.

Thousands of visitors streamed in from towns far and wide, answering the call to “be Greek for a day” and relish the world around them, enjoying life to its fullest. The well-organized event offered parking not only on the church grounds, but also at nearby St. Benedict’s Church, with comfortable and convenient shuttle buses running continually back and forth. Upon their arrival at the festival, guests had many options that were entertaining and delicious.

The food served at the Bayshore Greek Festival was, as always, unsurpassed, with authentic, freshly made ethnic dishes and desserts, all lovingly prepared by talented parishioners who learned from past generations within their own families or from the extended parish family. This year, organizers streamlined the process of purchasing and serving the food to the long lines of hungry patrons, stomachs rumbling and mouths watering at the aromas that wafted through the air of the indoor Taverna and the outdoor Grecian Grill food tents. Long tables were filled to capacity with groups of families and friends who feasted together, while other guests placed orders of their favorite dishes, stacked them high in takeout containers, and brought them home as a special treat.

For those wishing to prepare Greek dishes themselves, cooking demonstrations were held each day on the stage inside the parish center, with lessons on how to make things like pita bread, chicken avgolemono soup, Mediterranean mac and cheese, and eggplant pilaf. To wash down all that wonderful food, there was also a beer and wine garden outside, featuring traditional drinks of ouzo, a popular Greek aperitif.

Both indoors and outdoors, there were various vendor tables with everything from home design services to arts and crafts, from jewelry to cutlery, and more. Cash 50/50 drawings were held hourly each day, and those who didn’t want to take a chance on those might have opted to try their luck at the carnival games. Excited youngsters, under the watchful eyes of their parents and grandparents, took delight in the fun amusement rides. And lovers of history, art, religion, and architecture had the opportunity to take tours of the beautiful church with knowledgeable guides who were proud to show it off and explain the significance of the statues, artwork, altar, and other designs.

Perhaps the most spectacular part of the ethnic extravaganza was the jubilant display of Greek music and dance that was performed each day. The talented bands and the award-winning dancers made an irresistible combination, and it was impossible to not be swept up in the festivities. The audience crowded around the stage and dance floor in the huge entertainment tent, clapping their hands, stomping their feet, and sometimes leaping onto the dance floor to demonstrate the steps they knew so well that had been passed down to them as children. The members of the GOYA Dance Troupe were resplendent in their colorful and intricate handcrafted costumes, and the crowd roared as they went through their routines, sometimes running out to shower the dancers with dollar bills in a show of affection and appreciation with cries of “Opa!”

From start to finish, the 2019 Bayshore Greek Festival was a celebration to remember.