Food, Music, And Fun At Third Annual Sheepshead Bay Summer Stroll [Photos]

Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz looks on during Jimmy's Famous Famous Heros sandwich eating contest. (Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)
Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz looks on during Jimmy’s Famous Famous Heros sandwich eating contest. (Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)

Sheepshead Bay Road once again came alive Sunday with music, food, dancing and entertainment for the annual Summer Stroll.

The block party — now in its third year — is organized by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Kings Bay Y, and Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz, who first proposed the idea to help businesses recover from Superstorm Sandy.

“Summer Stroll is a great vehicle to promote Sheepshead Bay,” said Cymbrowitz. “Ever since Sandy, we’ve been trying to help those merchants who came back on their own. This is to tell the merchants in Sheepshead Bay that we’re behind them.”

Indeed, many of the shops took part in this year’s festivities. Anatolian Gyro brought in an exotic belly dancer to liven things up outside their restaurant on East 15th Street. There was also face-painting, arts and crafts, and a bouncy slide for the kids. And car enthusiasts had plenty of hotrods to ogle as they made their way down the road.

Of course, the main event was Jimmy’s Famous Famous Heros sandwich eating contest. in which almost a dozen competitors raced to scarf down two full Italian sandwiches. Ariel Melman took first place for the second year in a row — though he was a minute shy of beating his previous record, the judges said.

“I’m still hungry,” Melman exclaimed standing next to Cymbrowitz and Judge Anthony Nicholas while holding his $100 prize.

Although the weather was a little overcast, it didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s enthusiasm. Check out some of the photos to see for yourself.

(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)
(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)

The belly dancer literally fired up the crowd.

(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)
(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)

She also drew an admirer.

(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites0
(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites0

One of the hotrods on Sheepshead Bay Road.

(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)
(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)

The Animal Care Centers of NYC brought out some adorable dogs for people to adopt.

(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)
(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)

And cats too!

(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)
(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)

T. Kang Karate students showed off their moves.

(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)
(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)

While some kids showed Zen-like patience.

(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)
(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)

The Neal Alpert Band put on a rockin’ show.

(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)
(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)

Local restaurant Azerbaijan House offered some free samples.

(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)
(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)

Kids couldn’t help smiling after riding on the bouncy slide.

(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)
(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)

Other youngsters showed off their pipes at karaoke.

(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)
(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)

It was an exciting competition at the Jimmy’s Famous Famous Heros sandwich eating contest.

(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)
(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)

Winner Ariel Melman looks confident.

(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)
(Photo: Alex Ellefson / Sheepshead Bites)

“I’m still hungry,” he says.