Sheepshead Bay’s biggest party of the year drew about 20,000 people to Emmons Avenue for the 28th annual BayFest on May 19, according to the event organizer, who called the event a smashing success.
“Everything worked out perfectly,” said Steve Barrison of the Bay Improvement Group. “All three bands were top notch. It was a great time for kids, for adults, for education, and for information. Everything worked well, and fell into place.”
The six hour celebration’s main stage featured three New York-based bands, including the top-40 cover band Metropolis, and the kilt-wearing Irish group The Shots.
“They blew everybody away, including me who has seen them before,” said Barrison. “And we had a new sound system, so you could hear it from blocks away.”
Barrison and the Bay Improvement Group shifted this year’s celebration to focus on women’s health issues, featuring informative entertainment to promote healthy lifestyles.
Still, said Barrison, the youth-oriented activities were the biggest hit of the day.
“We had arts-and-crafts stations for the kids set up in two locations, and people really lined up for that,” he said.
The free-of-charge festival was meant to promote local businesses in the Sheepshead Bay area, according to Barrison, who called the yearly event a highlight of the neighborhood.
“We don’t allow any sales. But, if people are hungry, or they want to buy something, they’re more than welcome to buy some food at a local restaurant, or support a local business.”
