Everybody had a gourd time!
Ridgites got into the Halloween spirit at the Pumpkin Fest at American Veterans Memorial Pier in Bay Ridge on Oct. 25. Kids could get their faces painted, hear spooky stories of the nautical variety, and a parade around in their Halloween costumes. One parent and her tot took full advantage of the fun to be had, she said.
“It was really fun,” said Sally Elnemr who brought daughter Ayah dressed as Minnie Mouse. “We did some pumpkin painting, Ayah walked in the costume parade, got her face painted, and played some of the beanbag tossing game.”
Separate from the parade, there was a costume contest for the most creative and outlandish costumes on the pier.
The Urban Park Rangers from the New York City Parks and Recreation Department were also on deck to teach festival-goers some sea-faring knots and talk about maritime safety. The Staten Islanders Bob Wright and Harbortown provided live bluegrass and folk music from the most bucolic borough. To top it off, everyone got to take home a pumpkin at the end of the day.
The Waterfront Alliance, the Parks Department, and the office of Councilman Vincent Gentile (D–Bay Ridge) organized the event.
