Epiphany Draws 30,000 to Tarpon Springs

Although weather forecasts had organizers prepared for the worst, Sunday's sunny skies and warm temperatures set the scene for a memorbale Epiphany celebration.

The 107th Epiphany was dubbed "flawless" by Epiphany Committee Co-Chairman, Johanna Kossifidis.

"The weather was perfect and we had more people than expected," Kossifidis said. "I couldn't have asked for anything better."

Kossifidis added that there was about 30,000 people in attendance during the event. 2013 marked her eighth year as Epiphany Committee Co-Chairman.

For Nick Christu, 39, the Epiphany dive for the cross was the most important thing on his Sunday agenda.

Christu was joined by sons Luke, 13 and Eli, 10. Both plan on diving for the cross when they're old enough. Eli says that he plans on bringing home the cross at least once out of his three future attempts.

A native to Tarpon Springs and Sponger-alumni, Christu remembers his days diving into the bayou.

"When you're down there you can't really see anything," said Christu. "But underwater, the cross looks like it's glowing almost."

After last year's debacle, organizers ensured that there would only be one cross honored as the official Epiphany token.

This year, the white cross had "2013" printed in gold letters across the front.

took home the cross less than a minute after it was thrown into Spring Bayou.

Related Coverage 

Epiphany 2013 Builds on Tradition

Epiphany 2013 Dove Bearer Announced

Youngster Snags Cross at 107th Epiphany

Photo Gallery: Epiphany 2013 Dive for the Cross