On Sunday, July 19, Bensonhurst held its first “Weekend Walk,” allowing merchants to showcase all they have to offer. Residents were able to amble along 18th Avenue from 62nd Street to Bay Ridge Parkway, giving them the opportunity to enjoy everything the shopping strip has to offer
“Weekend Walks” is a city-sponsored program in which cars and other vehicles are banned from specific streets for a night or an afternoon so that pedestrians can shop or eat in the middle of city streets.
“I think it’s an amazing opportunity for residents to come out and celebrate the diversity of our neighborhoods,” Community Board 11 District Manager Marnee Elias-Pavia said.
Along 18th Avenue, the Weekend Walk Marketplace was presented by the 18th Avenue Merchants Association with support from Community Board 11 and the Federation of Italian-American Organizations (FIAO) of Brooklyn.
The sponsors seek to attract visitors by advertising that merchants will showcase everything from “the best pizza and pastries” in New York City to “amazing deals in clothing, colognes, jewelry, and more!”
In addition, local performance groups make an appearance at the event, to entertain attendees.
For those who enjoyed the first Weekend Walk, and those who are disappointed that they missed it, there will be another Weekend Walk Marketplace on Saturday, July 25 on 18th Avenue between Bay Ridge Parkway and 86th Street from 1 to 6 p.m.