Everyone loves spending a day by the shore.
The Astoria Park Alliance is gathering families together for seaside events during its seventh annual Shorefest on Shore Boulevard.
Vehicular traffic along Shore Boulevard will be closed off during the festival, the first day of which took place on Sunday, Sept. 20. A second day of festivities is planned for Sunday, Sept. 27 in Astoria Park from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Activities offered on the first day of the festival included free taekwondo lessons, scooter races ukulele lessons, massages, glitter tattoos and rollerblading lessons.
Dance and music performances entertained the audience under a sky bright with perfect weather conditions, and an interactive, transformable play space allowed children to test their creativity and build their own environment.
Council Member Costa Constantinides was in Astoria Park on Sunday to take part in the festivities. He commended the Astoria Park Alliance and the organization’s co-chair, Martha Lopez-Gilpin, for arranging the annual event and opening up the shore to those who may not normally be able spend time at local waterfronts.
“Our waterfront provides resources and is home to diverse marine life, however much of our community lacks access to the water,” Constantinides said. “Shore Fest is an opportunity for the neighborhood to have an unobstructed connection to the waterfront while enjoying Astoria Park with their families.”
Astoria Park Alliance Trustee Steve Simicich said that the event encouraged residents to get out to the park for some sunshine and fresh air without the fear of being in the way of oncoming traffic.
“Shore Fest expands Astoria Park up to the Shoreline and allows parkgoers to utilize and enjoy this beautiful waterfront promenade,” Simicich said.
