BAY RIDGE — Thousands lined the streets of Fifth Avenue from 68th to 81st Streets the afternoon of Sept. 14 to experience the “End of Summer Multi-Block Party,” a seven-hour community celebration designed to showcase the neighborhood’s vibrant local businesses, encourage foot traffic and bring people together in a joyous, festive atmosphere.

Since 2022, the Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) has been hosting multi-block events, continuing the success of the “Open Streets” initiative that began in 2019, Elizabeth Lovejoy, executive director of the Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue BID, told the Brooklyn Eagle. 

“This day is special because it captures the spirit of Bay Ridge, where community and local businesses are at the heart of everything we do,” Lovejoy said.  “The event allows residents and visitors to experience all the things Fifth Avenue has to offer, from its diverse shops and restaurants to its welcoming, tight-knit feel. It’s also a perfect sendoff for summer and a chance for neighbors to gather and celebrate.”

Coming together

Lovejoy’s role as executive director is to oversee the planning, coordination and execution of the Multi-Block Party. 

“This involves working closely with merchants, partners and NYC Event Coordination and Management and to also ensure that everything runs smoothly,” she explained. 

One of the biggest challenges of organizing a Multi-Block Party is coordinating logistics across multiple blocks, including vendor placement, street closures and ensuring safety protocols are met, Lovejoy pointed out.  

“Balancing the needs of merchants, securing permits, and handling the promotional aspects also require a great deal of planning and collaboration,” she said. 

But in the end, according to Lovejoy, it’s a win-win situation for both the surrounding community, as well as the small businesses in the area. 

“For the community, this is a chance to come together and enjoy a day of family-friendly activities, shopping, and food in a relaxed setting,” she explained.  

And for small businesses, the event is an invaluable opportunity to connect with new customers, showcase their offerings and build relationships within the community, Lovejoy said.

“Events like this provide a boost to local businesses by increasing visibility and foot traffic, which is crucial in sustaining a thriving commercial corridor,” she added. 

Amazing energy

Each year, Lovejoy aims to build on the successes of previous years, and this End of Summer Multi-Block Party was no exception.

“We saw fantastic participation, and the energy was amazing,” she said. “It felt different this year, because we added some new elements, including more interactive family activities. We were fortunate to have clear skies and sunshine, making for a perfect day.” 

The End of Summer Multi-Block Party was made possible through a partnership with Brooklyn Bridge Parents and Street Lab, Lovejoy noted.

Lovejoy is already in the planning process for more community-friendly events, such as the upcoming Halloween Fest on Oct. 26.

“We are excited to keep the momentum going and continue creating vibrant experiences that bring [everyone] together,” she said.