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Overcast Four days of fun, food and family at Blessed Sacrament
Turning the corner of Central and McKeon Avenues on Saturday night, shouts and laughter could be heard. Enticing smells floated into the summer air, like those at a barbecue. Several visitors played old-fashioned carnival style games or bravely rode everything from the traditional Ferris wheel to the exhilarating “Super Bullet” — the ride of choice that flipped patrons upside down for a thrill that several teenagers dared each other to do.
Not even rain showers could dampen the excitement of several dozen children, teenagers and adults who visited Blessed Sacrament Church’s family festival on Saturday, one of the four nights of the special event.
Running from Aug. 4-7, estimated crowds in the hundreds joined in the community event, which prompted a police barricade to block off McKeon Avenue at North Central Avenue. “There had to be 800 to 1,000 people that were here in one night,” said The Rev. Peter Dugandzic, Blessed Sacrament’s pastor. Pleased with the fairly good weather, his spirits were high — and so were those of several others.
Rosanne Dupiton, 18, was fresh off a “Glee”-style performance with her Girl Scout troop. The upbeat songs got everyone moving on Friday. “It was so much fun,” she said, “and we got everyone to dance and sing with us.”
Aside from the food, games, rides and raffles, the live entertainment brought a party-like atmosphere. The young and young-at-heart were line dancing, and even spinning around with their sweethearts to the music of local bands and groups. The rides were exciting, said Manhattan resident George Pedroza. He was visiting his family in Valley Stream, and spontaneously decided to come. He admitted to riding the “Round Up” — a ride that spins around at fast speeds — before and after eating tasty treats, like Zeppoles.
Nine-year-old Admar Charles was eyeing the balloon and darts game, while his aunt Dedzy Labatte, of Rosedale, watched the kids ride the Ferris wheel. “We are having a good time,” Labatte said. “This event is for the kids, the little ones, and the community.”
Church members Mary and Lou Bellotti were happy to be at the festival. “We look forward to seeing the childrens’ faces,” Mary said.
Jane Walsh, who sold cotton candy, pretzels and other treats, said the event was successful. “People are enjoying themselves, and we had a good crowd,” she said. “Every day has gotten a little better.”
And others agreed it was the perfect summer activity. “People like to do things like this,” Dugandzic said, “and it’s great for a summer night.”
