Massive crowds descended on downtown Augusta for the annual spring Greek Festival put on by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Even the organizers were stunned at the massive turnout.
Event chairperson Michelle Ennis said the three-day event, which opened Friday, was epic.
“It’s incredible; we never expected this kind of crowd. The festival was packed all weekend,” Ennis said.
Crowds formed lines almost to the street as people waited to order gyros, spanakopita and souvlaki. The dessert tent was also packed with people waiting in line to get baklava and even chocolate baklava, which was just added for this year.
Even with the heavy attendance and long lines, the volunteer staff moved with efficiency to make sure no one had to wait too long.
“It’s great. Everyone in line was patient, and they seemed to just enjoy the atmosphere and the music,” Ennis said.
Due to the pandemic, the festival was canceled in 2020 and last year was limited to only drive through food sales. Not only were organizers treated to huge community support, but the weather was perfect for the weekend event.
The spring festival is a smaller affair from the annual fall festival, but the turnout over the weekend should give organizers a hint at what to expect when the main festival returns in the fall with live performances and even more arts and crafts vendors.
Lori Van Lenten said she didn’t mind the crowds one bit.
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The lines might have been “worse than a Disney line, but the food at the Greek Festival is worth it,” according to the Columbia County resident who went to the festival Sunday. “I am so happy to see it back in full swing for the first time since the shut down.”
Seeing the dancers and children playing on the playground also gave her reason to smile, but at the same time it was on the bittersweet side.
“It was just like old times and made me smile and think of Debi Ballas,” she said.
Ballas, the former artistic director for The Augusta Players, was a longtime member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. She died Oct. 4, 2021.
Scott Hudson is the senior reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
