First Summer Stroll a success

The temperature dropped and the rain did not cease, but people were out enjoying the first day of Summer Stroll on Third Avenue, despite the gloomy weather.

Friday, July 20, marked the first of four Fridays in July and August on which the strip between 82nd and 89th Streets will be closed to vehicular traffic with pedestrians invited to browse the thoroughfare, enjoying everything that local businesses have to offer as well as a wide array of locally-sourced entertainment.

Donna Ponzoni, a Bay Ridge resident, was among the strollers who decided to come out after the rain stopped.

She brought her six-year-old son, Mathew, to pet the snake, provided by Kaleidoscope Toy Store at 88th Street, play with giant chess pieces, and spin the wheel across the street at The Home Reporter and Brooklyn Spectator’s table for prizes such as free movie tickets.

A Marilyn Monroe impersonator, Liam Alexander, wandered through the crowd handing out fliers for an upcoming event at Fushimi Restaurant. He made people’s heads turn as passers-by got a chance to photograph him.

“I love Bay Ridge,” called out Martin McQuade, a native Brooklynite. “I wanted to see the community out having a good time,” he said.

He said he had looked forward to Friday night because of being able to see the highest point in Bay Ridge, located on 84th street, without any traffic impeding the view.

Anthony Giordano, dressed as a clown, said his main goal was to “see everybody happy.” He stood in front of “Going in Style,” the beauty salon, with Rob the magician putting smiles on people’s faces.

“Summer Stroll reminds me of the Ragamuffin parade,” noted Edward McQueen, an attendee. “It is pretty good.”

If you happened to miss the first evening of Summer Stroll, you can have another chance on July 27, August 10 and August 17. Check out the fun from 6 to 10 p.m.

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