On the Avenue: Fifth Ave. preps for 31st festival

Who’s ready to party?

Plans are already being finalized for the 31st annual #FunonFifth street festival to be held “on the avenue” Sunday, June 1, courtesy of the Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District (BID). This all-day event closes Fifth Avenue to vehicular traffic from Bay Ridge Avenue (69th Street) to 85th Street, with attractions set up throughout from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Get ready for a day of shopping, live music, amusement rides, delicious food and community fun right here on Fifth Avenue,” BID officials said.

Festival organizer Chip Cafiero works hand-in-hand with BID Executive Director Elizabeth Lovejoy each year to make sure the festival offers a unique experience for the tens of thousands who attend.

“We’re always looking to provide families with a memorable experience, whether they enjoy the dozens of live bands performing outside restaurants and on stages, or playing carnival games with a chance to win prizes, or trying unique foods from vendors set up along the avenue,” Cafiero explained. “This year, we’re looking to build upon the success of previous festivals by offering even more of everything people enjoy. It’s going to be a great event.”

Applications to participate in this year’s festival are still being accepted through the website at bayridgebid.com/festival. Merchants, vendors and artists are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to reserve a spot.

“We’re looking to highlight local artists especially,” Cafiero said. “If you’ve got artwork to exhibit, this is the perfect event to showcase your work.”

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A long, long time ago in a galaxy far away — well, actually, pretty recently at a meeting of the Merchants of Third Avenue Civic Improvement Association, Inc. (MoTA) held “on the avenue” — it was announced that 12 of the best pizzerias in Bay Ridge would come together for a fun competition to see which would be voted the “best of the best.”

“Pizza Wars” will take place on “Star Wars Day,” May 4. MoTA Events Coordinator Chrisie Canny has formed an inter-avenue alliance with the aforementioned Lovejoy and 86th Street BID Executive Director Patrick Condren to create a neighborhood-wide competition that is expected to draw huge crowds.

To date, nine contestants have been announced from among the three commercial thoroughfares — Pizza Wagon, Mancini’s Wood-Fired Pizza, Nonno’s Pizza, Peppino’s Pizza, Bay Ridge Pizza, Elegante Pizzeria, Brooklyn Firefly, Frankie’s of Bay Ridge and Vesuvio Restaurant. Canny said to expect the final three contestants to be announced soon.

The walking tour begins at noon at Elegante, 6922 Fifth Ave., and will also feature a free shuttle bus service for those who need a break from walking, courtesy of Bay Ridge Center.

Brooklyn Firefly, 7003 Third Ave., will be the final stop on the tour and will host the official after-party.

“We will gather at Firefly after to hand in voting cards, listen to music and enjoy some drink specials and themed cocktails that will be available for purchase,” Canny explained. “As soon as all votes are counted, the winners will be announced.”

In addition to the pizza competition, attendees are encouraged to embrace the force by participating in the accompanying “Star Wars” costume contest.

“A team of committee members from the Ragamuffin Parade Committee will vote for the best costume and best family costume,” Canny said.

The Jedi (or Sith) voted “Best Individual Costume” will win one free pie from each of the participating pizzerias, while the “Best Group Costume” winner will receive $150 from Ragamuffin, Canny explained.

Tickets for the event cost $36 and can be purchased online at zeffy.com/ticketing/pizza-wars.

It’s going to be out of this world!

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If you’re doing something noteworthy “on the avenue,” reach out to me directly at [email protected]!