Bay Ridge Our Community
Just as we did in 1931. But with watermelon eating contests.
Bay Ridge is buzzing with excitement. Last minute float ideas, trips to the hardware store, crepe paper. The 4th of July is just around the bend!
For old timers and those new to the hood — welcome to Christmas in July. Bay Ridge has put on a festive parade and picnic for the last 86 years! Many time-treasured traditions are kept intact — infused with our own Bay Ridge style. A style that’s celebratory, authentic to who we are, respectful and fun. As it’s supposed to be.
Need a refresher on the details? We got you.
Parade
Let’s get star-spangled, Bay Ridge! Grab your neighbors for some patriotic collaboration. Decorate your bikes, cars, tractors, strollers and floats for our annual parade. We’re talking crepe paper, paints, posterboard, hammers… you get the idea!
- Line up and register at 11am on Mayo.
- Parade will begin at 11:30 am.
- Prizes for original, star-spangled floats!
- Float Judging Criteria:
- OVERALL IMPRESSION: Presentation, Craftsmanship, Design
- ORIGINALITY: Original concept
- SPIRIT: Enthusiasm of the group
- THEME: Cohesive theme/concept
- BONUS POINTS: Patriotism and/or Celebration of Bay Ridge!
*Loss of points for inappropriate content/contractor-built floats/anything obviously not in a respectful, authentic community spirit.
PRIZES
There are many different kinds of awards this year—and the most Bay-Ridge/4th of July-spirited float will take home the BR Cup!
Picnic
What’s more Bay Ridge Fourthy than hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken sandwiches, chips, soda & cold beer? Nothing, that’s what! After the parade, enjoy lunch (Oh-so-kindly donated by Grumps Cafe, as usual! So huge!) and a frozen margarita starting at noon.
Bake Sale: Patriotic Cupcakes. Brownies. Cookies and more. Mmm. Don’t miss! If you would like to donate a baked good, please deliver to the Deahl household at 11 Decatur on the evening of July 3rd or you can bring to the bake sale booth the day-of. (Leave goodies on porch if no one’s there, best if they’re not super perishable, and we’ll be sure to whisk it in to cool safety ASAP!)
Games: The celebration continues after the parade & lunch. Parents and kids are encouraged to participate in various races, classic egg toss, watermelon & pie eating contests and more!
Volunteers! Grab one of your besties and book a spot! Special mention: we need grillers. You know, folks good with a nice set of tongs. We need volunteers for all booths—drinks, bake sale, etc. Book a spot now! (sign up genius form). Bonus: grown-ups helping out with set-up & tear-down are served cold beer, JS. And we need a lot of ya to make it go fast, so, join us!
Maybe you’ll win the BR lotto! Or Loddao if you’re from Ballmer. This year, something new: 50/50 Raffle! You’ll be getting some tickets in your mailbox in the next few days, if you’d like to buy a bunch, just drop your money & tickets to the D’Camera house at 46 Decatur Ave. Whatever cash money is raised is split 50/50 between you and the community. Whoop! Could be a jackpot!
Note for over-21 folks: Bring your ID! We’re going to try & quickly serve cold drinks and also ensure we’re abiding by the law.. just don’t forget an ID to the picnic!
It’s going to be awesome. Bust out your paints and flags, friends. It’s nearly time!