Once Again, Bensonhurst’s 86th Street Festival Draws Huge Crowds [Photos]
It was a beautiful day for a street fair.
Once again, as in years past, Bensonhurst’s 86th Street Festival was a smashing success, drawing thousands of neighbors — big, little, and four-legged — on Sunday, June 7.
With the sun beating down, and temperatures in the 80s, festival-goers munched on arepas, sausages, deep-fried Oreos, and corn dogs, as they shopped for bargains.
Kids were thrilled by the moon bounces, carnival games, cotton candy trucks, and an extensive toy selection.
Adults were excited to snag great deals on handmade dresses, jewelry, sunglasses, handbags, plants, and more. Cellphone cases and t-shirt vendors were big too — including one clever salesman who was peddling some very cool “Bensonhurst, Brooklyn” tees for $15 a piece.
Cops from the 62nd Precinct were on hand to keep the peace and the party went on without a hitch from 11am until 5pm.
Many 86th Street merchants participated in the event this year. For example, tables representing Kung Fu Tea (2174 86th Street) and Cup O’ Yogurt ( 8512 Bay Parkway) were on the street handing out samples.
Vendors represented Bensonhurst’s diverse immigrant and ethnic groups, including Italian-made shoes, Central and South American-inspired fedoras and jewelry, Southeast Asian-style embroidered dresses, and bonsai trees.
Bensonhurst Bean reader Scott Bleck sent us a few quirky shots of the festivities, including a pink parrot, panda bear-antler hats, and a view of the crowd:
Finally, here is great clip of the delicious, deep-fried goodness that was peddled from food trucks all day long:
Thought Bensonhurst has seen its share of changes over the last 17 years, the 86th Street Festival continues to thrive — boosting local business, and bringing energy, excitement, and community togetherness to the neighborhood’s iconic commercial strip.
