Shout ‘Opa!’ at Cardiff Greek Festival, Hope for 9/11 Memorial in NYC

Cries of “Opa,” Greek music and dancing and a lamb cooking on a spit greeted thousands of visitors Saturday to the annual Cardiff Greek Festival..

High temperatures and humidity didn’t dampen the enthusiasm for music, dance and abundant Greek cuisine, however. Festival-goers at the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church lined up outside a room offering a large variety of Greek pastries.

Adults and children played miniature golf on an eight-hole course designed and built by church member Dave Hulsing, who adds a new structure to the course each year. The golf course holes are based on Greek history and the Bible. Signs at each hole have lessons about the historical or biblical event.

But children’s dancing attracted the biggest crowds, who shouted “Opa!” in appreciation.

Organizers plan to donate 10 percent of proceeds toward construction of the St. Nicholas Shrine at the World Trade Center in New York, replacing a small Greek Orthodox Church that was the only house of worship destroyed Sept. 11, 2001. The festival comes just after the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Established in 1916, the church was obliterated when the South Tower fell. The Saint Nicholas National Shrine will be rebuilt a short distance away from its original location and will overlook the 9/11 Memorial.

Construction began recently and should take about two years to complete, according to The New York Times.

“This year, we are blessed to not only share our culture with the San Diego community, but also extend our support to provide a place of worship and peaceful reflection at the site of the horrific tragedy,” said the Rev. Father Michael Sitaras of festival hos Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.

Festivities continue from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at 3459 Manchester Ave. Free parking is available at nearby MiraCosta College. Admission is $3, with children under 12 free. Around 10,000 to 15,000 people are expected to attend.

— City News Service contributed to this story.

A musical group “4 Greeks LA Minus One” entertained for festival goers. Photo by Chris Stone

A Poseidon fishing game was among the Greek “Olympic Games” at the festival. Photo by Chris Stone

Festival goers were invited to church tours during the festival. Photo by Chris Stone

Pita breads were prepared for Gyros at the festival. Photo by Chris Stone

Rice frappes were among the traditional treats at the festival. Photo by Chris Stone

“Olympic Games” for youngsters included miniature golf and tossing games at the festival. Photo by Chris Stone

Festival visitors were given a tour of the church at the annual festival. Photo by Chris Stone

Visitors on the church tour pause to light candles as they enter. Photo by Chris Stone

Meat is sliced for Gyros sandwiches at the annual Greek Festival. Photo by Chris Stone

Church member Dave Hulsing has built historical and biblical miniature golf course holes. Photo by Chris Stone

A young boy enjoys Greek dancing. Photo by Chris Stone

Members of the audience applaud for young dancers in traditional Greek attire. Photo by Chris Stone

Girls celebrate womanhood in a colorful dance. Photo by Chris Stone

Couples joined in the dance instruction to learn traditional Greek dances. Photo by Chris Stone

Food was one of the main attractions at the annual Cardiff Greek Festival. Photo by Chris Stone

Girls celebrate womanhood while dancing in colorful native dress. Photo by Chris Stone

Festival attendees follow the custom of tossing dollar bills among the dancers to show appreciation. Photo by Chris Stone

Young women dance for an appreciative crowd. Photo by Chris Stone

A young girl dances a traditional Greek dance at the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church at Cardiff. Photo by Chris Stone

As a lamb cooks on the spit, visitors at the Greek festival enjoy food. Photo by Chris Stone

Notis Tavlaridis showers his granddaughter with money at the Annual Cardiff Greek Festival. Photo by Chris Stone