Flatbush Frolic Was Fabulous
DITMAS PARK – The weather was perfect for Flatbush Development Corporation’s (FDC) 42nd annual Flatbush Frolic yesterday.
There was live music and dance performances, rides and games, kids activities, and a pizza eating contest.
FDC aims to raise awareness for the economic and social issues of the Flatbush community and beyond. This year’s event featured civic groups like the Ditmas Civic Association and Brooklyn for Peace, among many food vendors and merchants.
Ditmas Civic Association formed right after the 2016 presidential election and wants to ensure that everyone “knows their rights.” (They are organizing a “unity night” at P.S. 315 at 4pm, October 17th.)
Brian, Flatbush raised, is just finishing off his first week with the Ditmas Civic Association. “It’s a great opportunity to build awareness for our community,” he said. “There are too many people who are struggling and whose voices aren’t heard, we’re just looking to build unity.”
Brooklyn for Peace, formed in 1984, is an organization that aims to end war and the violence and social injustices that cause it, and has been a staple at Flatbush Frolic for at least the last decade.
Chakir Bouchaib, Philadelphian by way of Morocco travelled all the way to Brooklyn to set up his Little Marrakesh Bazaar. Chakir had not been in Brooklyn in four years, this was his first time as a vendor at the Flatbush Frolic. He doesn’t mind the journey because he “loves the Brooklyn crowd and its energy.”
Brenda Huerta represented Catskill Bagels, and said “Catskill Bagels uses the money it makes from the festival to support the local community and environment,” she says. “They plant trees, and donations are made to P.S. 139” located across the street from their establishment,
It was another successful Flatbush Frolic and another successful year for the FDC. If you missed it this year, be sure to stop by next time around!
