Hundreds of southeast Queens residents celebrated the start of fall at the seventh annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14.
Locals spent the lively afternoon eating, dancing, and celebrating between Hillside Avenue and Jamaica Avenue on Sutphin Boulevard in downtown Jamaica. The Downtown Jamaica Partnership hosted the festival, sponsored by the YMCA of Greater New York Jamaica, Resorts World Casino, Flushing Bank and Artimus.
Families enjoyed vibrant food offerings from local vendors, including arepas, roasted corn, carne asada and fresh sugar cane juice. Other vendors, including Queens native Amin Merrit, sold apparel. Merrit founded Reppin Apparel, a Queens-based streetwear clothing line specializing in snapbacks, t-shirts and custom tumblers. “This is my first time at the Harvest Festival, and so far, so good. I’ll definitely be here next year,” Merrit said.
Many residents brought their children to enjoy various kid-friendly activities, including face painting and bouncy houses. Laurelton resident Timothy Bowden said he brought his daughter Treasure, 1, and son Timothy Jr., 3, to enjoy the day-long event. “I saw this out my window from the 21st floor, and I knew I had to show some love,” he said.
The event included various performances, including youth performers from the Elite Marching Band of Queens. Larry Carthan, founder of the organization headquartered in the Rochdale Village Community Center, said he hopes the band’s performance brings joy to local kids. “We’re very happy to be doing this event for the community and the kids, to inspire them to play an instrument and possibly get into a great high school and college,” he said.
Also on stage was local performer Que Jeff, who sang various cover songs for the local crowd. “I was very excited to perform today because I love my community,” he said.
