Annual Brighton Jubilee a success

August 29, 2014 Jaime DeJesus

BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photos by Corazon Aguirre

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Brooklynites past and present gathered to celebrate good times during the 38th annual Brighton Jubilee. A staple in the community, the festival focuses on diversity, food, games and rides for the kids. An estimated record crowd of over 100,000 people attended the fair.

“It was fantastic. People were giving so much positive feedback, telling me that they met friends from Queens and Connecticut who come every year,” said Pat Singer, founder of the Brighton Neighborhood Association (BNA), who added that the day isn’t just for locals. “We don’t just draw a Brighton crowd. Plenty of cultures were represented.”

Three different stages offered performances from different cultures. There were also lots of vendors selling a wide range of merchandise and food. Attendees also had a chance to try out the offerings of new local restaurants. “There was something for everybody. It’s the celebration of Brighton Beach culture,” said Singer.

Specialists were also on hand to help individuals still coping with the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. “One guy who lives in Canarsie told me it was so helpful,” she added.

While many aspects of the event continue from year to year, Singer noticed some changes this time around. “This time was different in the sense that diversity was more pronounced,” she said. “Underneath it, we are Americans and that’s what it represents. With everything going on, people of different cultures were getting along. It brings us together. There should be more of those kinds of things.”

For Singer, the success is worth celebrating. “My mother was raised here. I loved my childhood here in Brighton and I want children to take pride in the community,” she noted. Singer is also looking forward to future Jubilees. “We hope to get bigger and better. We love our community. This is what Brooklyn is about.”