Scenes From Sunset Park’s Fair
SUNSET PARK – Locals and visitors alike partied into the sunset to cap the summer off.
Sunset Park’s 5th Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) hosted its annual street festival this past Sunday. Stretching from 44th Street to 59th Street along 5th Avenue it featured a free petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses, a hula hoop contest, all the food you can want and vendors of all varieties.
There were Italian sausages and jump houses, carnival rides and carnival games. It’s everything you would expect from a carnival, with a Latin twist.
Vendors from near and far set up shop along 5th Avenue. Rico & Exquisito Pan de Feria, a pastry shop based in Pasaic, NJ, travelto Brooklyn annually for this event.
Nieves Tia Mami is a local business, specializing in Mexican Ices. Soledad Chino Aquino has been a vendor at the fair for the past 15 years. “She travels to Mexico a lot, Mexican culture is constantly changing and she likes to try and bring some of that unique culture with her to her business,” her niece, Alejandra said. “This is an opportunity to spread that culture.”
Some vendors only do business on this occasion. Jose and his family sell fruit flavored with Mexican spices. “we had a shop but it closed down,’ he said. “I do this with my family, every year, with my son.”
With all the food and entertainment options available, the 5th Avenue fair is one of the most anticipated events of the year for Sunset Park residents. Jeffrey DeJesus, a Sunset Park Resident, sees the event as a way to reconnect with friends. “Everybody in Sunset Park goes to the fair. There’s not just food, there’s also concerts and music. You’ll see someone you know on 5th Ave.”
“So many people come out, it gets hard to walk. It’s good for the business, though,” he added.
Be sure to stop by next time around for some great deals and authentic Latin food.