Summer Stroll on Third graced the Ridge for the second of four events this season on Friday, July 24, overtaking Third Avenue from 80th Street to 90th Street for what Merchants of Third Avenue President Bob Howe called a homecoming of sorts.
“I think it was a phenomenal success with thousands of happy people,” Howe told The Home Reporter, noting that he was greeted not once, but a number of times this past Stroll by attendees who had just bumped into friends they hadn’t seen in years. “It’s sort of a reunion for some people. Many groups of friends make it their meeting place for the summer.”
That’s because, Howe said, Summer Stroll is now more of an institution than just another summer event.
“It really has become an institution with people hanging out and waiting for it,” Howe said. “We have this perception that people run out of town for the weekend to the Hamptons and the Catskills but, I think, a lot of people stay in town and want something to do on a Friday night, and the Summer Stroll is it. It’s truly a simple pleasure.”
This past Stroll – like those that have come before – spanned generations, Howe said.
“Everybody was talking about how lovely an evening it was and how all the local Bay Ridge families came out – grandparents, parents, children,” he said. “They just loved having their neighborhood back.”
So did local businesses and artists.
“As a young artist from the neighborhood, there was nothing like presenting my work to friends, family and neighbors,” said local artist Cait McCarthy who – for the first time outside of a gallery – was able to sell her work to those sauntering the strip. “It is great to see that the neighborhood is still just as welcoming, if not more so, and has opened its arms even wider for artists.
“My family was visiting from County Cork, Ireland, and helped man my table on 83rd Street,” she added. “It was the perfect way to introduce them to Bay Ridge. They got a taste of all the restaurants down the walk, won some freebies, and even met people with ties to Cork.”
McCarthy thanked friend and artist Alicia Degener – whose artwork was on display at the first Stroll of the season – for telling her to check out the summer staple, now in its fourth year.
“I will be back every other Stroll, for sure,” McCarthy added.
This season will see two more Summer Strolls – this time on the south end of the strip between Bay Ridge Avenue (69th Street) and 80th Street – on August 7 and 14, from 6 to 10 p.m.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
