Baklava cheesecake.
The big tent, where the dances take place, and people sit and eat, drink, and have a good time.
Saturday evening......I think we have beat all previous years for attendance.
Greek dancers of all ages....so cute!
The baking team have spent nearly every Tuesday and Thurday afternoons from July to the Thursday before the festival, baking all of the cookies, bread, and cheesecake. This is the first year we purchased all of the baklava from a bakery.
The festival was two full days and one half day. We sold out of all of the baklava cheesecake, paximadia, bread and cookies. The only reason we didn't sell out of baklava is the amount that was ordered was a tad bit over-done. We still have 2 big freezers full of baklava.
I worked all day on Friday, 5 hours on Saturday and 4 1/2 hours on Sunday. By the time 3:30 rolled around on Sunday I was exhausted. I don't know how the baking manager had the energy to spend all day each of those 3 days.
It was fun, but I'm really glad it's done.
The attendance broke records as far as we know, because they ran out of tickets on Sunday around 1:30, and had to "recycle" tickets. Instead of money, people buy tickets and then purchase most things with them. Some of the vendors accepted cash and credit cards. So it was a successful festival, but I guarantee that everyone involved is relieved!
If you ever come to the balloon fiesta, come to the festival ~ good times!
Love, 365
