Despite the rain, there was fun for all at the 86th Street Festival

The annual 86th Street Festival kicked off under the D train trestle on Sunday morning, June 10.

“It was successful in terms of turnout with vendors and people, but the rain put a damper on the crowds,” said Chip Cafiero, the event’s organizer.
An estimated 70 local shop and food vendors were out along the strip, between 19th Avenue and Bay Parkway with jewelry, clothing, novelty items and much more for shoppers to peruse.

The kids’ rides were also set up among the festivities, but eventually with the rain they had to be closed early.

The festival funds support the area’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT1) and the 62nd Precinct Community Council, helping to pay for events like the annual Night Out Against Crime (held every August) and graffiti removal in the community.