Good Times Roll On with Second Summer Stroll along Third Avenue

Better the second time around.

Streets were packed again as Bay Ridge brought the party back to Third Avenue for its second Summer Stroll of the season during perfect weather on Friday, July 20.

This time, the party took place between 80th and 90th Streets beginning at 6:30 p.m. as attendees of all ages gathered to enjoy dancing, live music, outdoor eating, shopping and face painting for the youngsters.

“The stroll keeps getting bigger and better attended,” said President of the Merchants of Third Avenue Bob Howe. “Of course, this past weekend was ideal weather. So it did bring out a lot more people and I think attendees look forward to a Friday night stroll, whether it’s on Third Avenue or Fifth Avenue. It’s also an opportunity to enjoy their neighborhood that they probably haven’t been able to do since they were kids.”

Local elected officials, as well as representatives of the FDNY and NYPD, were also in attendance to provide information and safety education for the locals.

The evening also helped put the spotlight on local businesses, according to Howe.

“From the merchants’ point of view, when you walk along the avenue, as opposed to driving, you see a lot of businesses that you may never have known were there,” he explained. “When you drive, you really aren’t paying attention because you’re looking to get to your destination. But walking along, you say, ‘There’s a place to get my haircut, buy dresses, there’s a coffee shop, a waffle place and all sorts of stores. It’s an opportunity for the people that live in the neighborhood to rediscover the avenue.”

This coming Friday, July 27, will be Fifth Avenue’s turn to host a Weekend Walk, the FACE of 5th (a Family, Arts and Culinary Event) between 73rd and 83rd Streets, from 5 to 10 p.m. For more info, go to https://bit.ly/2LNPGaX.

Third Avenue’s next Summer Strolls will be held on Friday, August 3 and Friday, August 10 from 68th-80th Streets from 6:30-10 p.m. For more info, go to SummerStrollon3rd.com.