Hamptons Greek Festival Draws Great Crowds for Great Food, Music, and Fun on Long Island’s East End

The Hamptons Hellenic Dancers entertain the crowds.

Southampton – The parishioners of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons welcomed friends and neighbors from far and wide to share the sights, sounds and flavors of their Hellenic tradition at the Hamptons Greek Festival, which was held July 7-10, 2011.

For the last 25 years, the Hamptons Greek Festival has opened its doors to the residents and visitors of Long Island’s East End–young and old of all backgrounds. Attendees feasted on delicious homemade delicacies such as pastitsio and mousaka, danced to the festive music of Syn-phonia Band and watched the traditional Greek Folk Dance performances of the church’s own talented troupe, the Hamptons Hellenic Dancers. The youth group performed to the rhythmic beats of Greek music in their traditional costumes while onlookers enjoyed their meals, or indulged in home made Greek deserts like baklava and loukamadas. Children and their parents enjoyed various games and rides, vendors had the opportunity to share their goods and services and festival goers had the chance to purchase tickets for various raffles, which included the grand prize of a brand new Fiat 500 or $15,000 in cash.

Father Alexander Karloutsos, Protopresbyter, together with Parish Council President Dimitrios Hatgistavrou, welcome His Eminence Archbishop Justinian of the Moscow Patriarchate to his first visit to the Hamptons Greek Festival. (Photos by J. Mindala)

Father Alexander Karloutsos, Protopresbyter, also extended a warm welcome to special guests: Congressman Tim Bishop, Representing the 1st District of New York and His Eminence Archbishop Justinian of Naro-Fominsk who oversees the ministries of the Russian Orthodox Parishes in the USA who fall under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Moscow.

Due to construction of the congregation’s new sanctuary and community complex, this year’s festival was held at the Southampton Elks Lodge. Father Constantine Lazarakis, Presbyter, said, “The church grounds are now under development. The footings and foundations of the sanctuary and cultural center are underway. Construction will continue until late 2012 when the faithful expect to bring the project to completion.”

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For more information on the Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons, visit www.KimisisHamptons.org