Get ready for Summer Stroll on Third

Stroll in some great family fun at this year’s Summer Stroll on Third Avenue.Nights of food and fun will be expected along Bay Ridge’s homey stretch of Third Avenue as many locals and visitors look forward to the event of the summer during the course of four dates.“We are expecting about 2,000 people each night,” said Chuck Otey, Merchants of Third Avenue vice president.The first two nights, July 18 and 25, will cover Bay Ridge Avenue through 80th Street. The last two nights, August 8 and 15, will cover 80th through 90th Street. Four different nights, however, equal same amount of fun.“People who go should expect plenty of family fun while strolling the avenue,” said Liz Amato of Community Board 10. “They will enjoy the local restaurants and shops that will be there.”Along with tasty foods and great items to purchase, strollers will be entertained by a variety of performances throughout the night presented by cultural groups and performing arts groups such as Narrows Community Theater and the Ridge Chorale.Each night of Summer Stroll will start at 6 p.m. and end at 10 p.m. During that period, there will be no vehicular traffic along the portion of the avenue hosting the event, so businesses along the strip can move onto the sidewalk and roadway for the evening.New this year will be a dog talent show! Puppies will not only compete for great prizes, but will entertain and put smiles on the faces of their owners and the many show-goers eager to attend.“The puppies by no means have to be big time dogs that can do super tricks,” said Debra Capone, owner of Debra Rose Beauty Essentials and organizer of the show. “If your dog has a talent, it should be registered. It will be a fun and exciting show for little children.”But, as Otey stressed, it’s not just the younger generation that will savor the event. “This will be an enjoyable, relaxing environment for everyone,” Otey said. “People from all over look forward to being a part of the festivities that take place.”