Stars & Stripes festival dazzles attendees in East Rockaway

Patriotism and community spirit rang through as hundreds of community members flocked to the waterfront to close summer with a bang at the annual three-day Stars & Stripes Festival from Sept. 13 to 15.

“We had another successful Stars and Stripes Festival,” East Rockaway Mayor Bruno Romano said. “Our yearly event is always a nice celebration to honor our veterans and our country.”

There were several rides during this year’s festivities, including a Ferris wheel, disco-themed bumper cars and a high-speed spinning ride. There were also many carnival games in booths that lined the waterfront, offering Pokémon dolls and other prizes for lucky winners.

Vendors and local businesses also took advantage of the patriotic event, setting up shop to offer festival goers an array of delicious treats, including zeppoles, pretzels and other goodies. Wardon’s Deli, on Main Street in East Rockaway, also had a food tent and was a popular destination for attendees looking for eats.

Permission to Launch rocked the stage and played several cover songs throughout the night on Sept. 14 as participants of all ages took in the food, games and rides at the event. The six-piece band is from Long Island and provided plenty of entertainment.

As usual, the event included a dazzling fireworks display over the waterfront as bright colors lit up the late summer sky.

Romano said he was grateful for the staff and volunteers who worked at the festival, for the business owners and vendors who took part and for the community members who came to the waterfront over the three days.

“It always makes me proud when we have our community come together and enjoy a great evening together,” he said. “We had an outstanding turnout of people who took advantage of the rides, vendors, food and music.”