There was no keeping this festival at bay.
Blustery weather made it feel more like a winter day, but revelers danced their hearts out to the “Grease” classic “Summer Nights” anyway during Sheepshead Bay’s 25th Annual Bay Fest on May 15. The cold wind and rain did not stop anyone from having a blast, said long-time attendee who particularly enjoyed a John Travolta impersonator’s rendition of tunes from the film.
“It was really very good despite the weather,” said Marine Parker Hal Stein. “John Travolta is always a good thing to relive your past, it’s a good time.”
Travolta look-alike and Long Islander Phil Francavilla performed a musical skit with Mill Basinite Jackie Paladino, who also sang the national anthem to kick off the event. The weather made it tougher for the local singer to warm up her instrument, but it was well worth it, she said.
“It was kind of cold — it’s definitely harder singing when it’s really cold,” Paladino said. “It was super fun. I got a lot of recognition afterwards.”
A few hundred attendees also enjoyed tunes from local bands, including Flight of Sound, The Blue Meanies, and Robert Santa. And the event was a huge success despite un-spring-like weather, said organizer and vice president of the Bay Improvement Group Jack Spadaro.
“We don’t mind a little wind, and the rain cooled us off,” he said. “Everyone there had a great time, and we thank all of our sponsors and supporters.”
