East Rockaway to celebrate Stars & Stripes Festival

Posted

East Rockaway is set for three days of patriotism as the village’s annual Stars & Stripes Festival returns to the waterfront near Main and Front streets from Thursday through Saturday.

Mayor Bruno Romano said he is excited for all the festival has to offer.

“Fun and exciting rides, games and food vendors will greet neighbors and festival goers.,” he said. “East Rockaway’s revitalized downtown is also showcased, as guests can stroll through our business district, enjoying local merchants and our small businesses.”

For the second straight year, the festival will begin on Thursday and last through Saturday. Thursday’s slate of activities will include rides and games from 6 to 10 p.m., while Friday will also have rides and games and see the addition of Eat Gastropub pouring craft beers and Cheezy Pete’s food truck serving some delicious treats. There will also be an acoustic musical performance.

On Saturday, Romano and the East Rockaway Veterans of Foreign Wars post color guard will ring in the festivities with an opening ceremony at 5:30 p.m. There will also be rides and games from 2 to 10 p.m. and food trucks — including Cheezy Pete’s, Good Eats Grill, Empanada Queen, the Lemon Ice King and Mr. Softee — from 4 to 10 p.m. The Lazy Lobster, Wardon’s Deli and Reel will also supply food, and DJ Schreiber will provide musical entertainment at 5 p.m. followed by a performance from Permission to Launch at 7 p.m.

The festivities will conclude with a fireworks display, which is tentatively scheduled for 8:30 p.m. on Saturday.

“With our Waterfront as a picture perfect setting, East Rockaway will also see an influx of residents on Saturday for our fireworks show,” Romano said, “and the live Permission to Launch concert.”