PHOTOS: Third Summer Stroll Brings Another Fun Evening

The third time was the charm.

After an afternoon in which the skies opened, and torrents ensued, the rain subsided and weather finally cooperated for Third Avenue’s third Summer Stroll. Held on Friday, August 3 from 68th to 80th Streets, the event once again highlighted local businesses, as strollers enjoyed the opportunity to eat outdoors and take in live entertainment.

“I think the Summer Stroll gods were looking kindly upon us,” said Third Avenue Merchants President Bob Howe. “ It took people a little bit of time to get back into Summer Stroll mode but by about 7 or 8 p.m., the avenue was filled and people were happy, enjoying their neighborhood, grandchildren and children, and the fact that they could enjoy their neighborhood.”

A week earlier, on Friday, July 27, the Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue BID’s first FACE of Fifth Weekend Walk was a washout so the fine night was more than welcome.

“Most of the entertainment emanates from restaurants, hiring musicians to play outside their place, so their is probably a dozen bands or deejays or singers, and I think people enjoyed both the quiet and noisy part of the Stroll,” Howe said.

This marked the third of four strolls on Third, and Howe and company understand that the summer tradition is almost wrapped up for another year.

“It does go by fast,” Howe admitted. “However, a lot of planning goes into it and come January 2, we will start planning again because it has become a Bay Ridge institution and people want it, expect it and love it. It’s not that all good things come to an end; they get adjourned for 12 months.”

Howe briefly addressed some online posts suggesting that this past stroll had become too political.

“I only saw a few blurbs, but to me I walked up and down the avenue many times and the majority of the stuff going on on the avenue was people enjoying Bay Ridge in a car-free environment,” he said, also stressing the meaning of the Summer Stroll. “We want to remind people of what the Stroll is. Its twofold purpose is to create a block party for Bay Ridge residents, and allow merchants to do extra business during what is sometimes a slow time. We ask participants and everyone on the avenue to be respectful of the two goals.”

He opined that political demonstrations may be, “Best left for another time and day.”

The final Summer Stroll will be held on Friday, August 10 and will span from 80th to 90th Streets beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Friday, August 17, will mark the second FACE of 5th weekend walk on Fifth Avenue from 73rd to 83rd Streets, running from 5 to 10 p.m.