PORT WASHINGTON, NY – In spite of inclement weather, Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church of Port Washington hosted another successful Greek Festival on the Harbor September 26-29 at North Hempstead Beach Park.
Attendees enjoyed delicious Greek and Cypriot food and pastries, especially everyone’s favorite loukoumades, live Greek music and dancing, the Taverna on the Bay, carnival rides (when the weather permitted), the Fabulous Finds tent, as well as a variety of vendors, all in support of Archangel Michael Church.
Every year, the community welcomes thousands of visitors to the Festival who enjoy the family-friendly celebration of Hellenic culture and gastronomy. This year, the fireworks display which was scheduled for Saturday was instead held on Sunday, the final night of the Festival.
A highlight of the Festival is always the performances in traditional costume by the young dancers of the community who once again impressed all those present with their skills. The HOPE dancers ages 5-7, JOY ages 8-12, and GOYA whose members are high school age, perform a variety of dances from across Greece. Presiding priest of the community Fr. John Lardas, whose roots are in Ikaria, often joins the dancers for the Ikariotiko.
Among the attendees, U.S. Congressman Tom Suozzi visited the Festival on September 29 and posted on social media: “On Sunday, I stopped by the 13th Annual Greek Festival on the Harbor at the Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Port Washington. This vibrant celebration of Greek culture featured traditional music and entertainment, carnival rides, and delicious Greek food and pastries, naturally!”
Rep. Suozzi also posed for a commemorative photo with Fr. Lardas and Fr. Panteleimon Papadopoulos, presiding priest of Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in Brookville, NY, who also visited the Festival.
Local officials also attended, including Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSean and Receiver of Taxes Mary Jo Collins.
All those present look forward to next year’s Greek Festival on the Harbor.
