Aug. 31, 2015 By Christian Murray
Two of Sunnyside’s leading business groups are hosting a large block party on Skillman Avenue next month that will bring bands, dancers and local restaurants together for the day.
The event, dubbed “The Skillman Avenue Fall Festival,” will take place on Saturday, September 26, from 4 pm to 8 pm. It will be held between 45th and 51st Streets, with Skillman Avenue between those streets closed off to traffic.
This will be the first street fair/festival on Skillman Avenue since the beginning of 2013, after they were scrapped following several complaints about the Manhattan-based organizer and vendors. Residents complained about noise and argued that Sunnyside business owners did not benefit from the events–since the vendors came from outside the community. Some scoffed at the items they sold, such as socks, hats & T-shirts, cheap jewelry, artwork, cell-phone covers and house plants.
This festival, organized by the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce and the Skillman Project, will take on a distinctive Sunnyside/Woodside flavor.
Restaurants and bars such as Claret, Dog & Duck, Saffron Garden, Flynn’s, Quaint, Aubergine, Copper Kettle and the Globe will have tables and chairs on the street where people can dine and enjoy music and an array of performances.
Clubs and organizations such as Thalia Spanish Theater, McManus School of Irish Dance, Woodside Fencing and a local Taekwondo club will be providing demonstrations or performing. Several bands will be playing over the course of the afternoon.
Children will be able to get their face painted and be entertained by members of the Big Apple Circus who will be performing.
Members of the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce are free to market their services at the event. So too are the stores located on Skillman Avenue.
The event coordinator is Dorothy Morehead who can be reached at dorothy4040@msn.com
