The Bronx’s Best Displayed in Albany at 3rd Annual Bronx Day Celebration

Albany, NY— Upstate met downstate at this year’s 3rd Annual Bronx Day in Albany on Monday, hosted by Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, State Senator Jeff Klein, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., celebrating the borough’s culture, businesses, organizations and bright future.

The day kicked off with a business luncheon at noon, where members of the Bronx business community discussed future economic development. In the evening “The Best of the Bronx,” reception held in The Egg offered attendees from the borough and beyond a taste of the Bronx, with food from famed Arthur Avenue and other special local fare.

The annual Bronx pride celebration featured performances by the Gene DiNapoli Bronx Bomber Show Band, Frankie Morales – the last vocalist of Tito Puente and Jose Figueroa Jr.– the 2015 King of the Puerto Rican Day Parade.    

Bronx elected officials also honored  Speaker Carl E. Heastie, who represents The Bronx.

“I am very excited to be able to host Bronx Day in Albany once again! As usual, we bring the best of the Bronx to Albany to highlight the wonderful organizations, businesses, cuisines and entertainment that our borough is proud to exhibit. This year’s event is made even more special because we will be honoring one of our own, Speaker of the Assembly, Carl E. Heastie. Our borough could not be more proud of his achievements,” said Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj.

“It’s wonderful to showcase the culture, businesses and outstanding organizations that make The Bronx such a great place and to welcome our constituents to Albany. Our borough has so much to offer and it’s special to get an opportunity each year to share its very best in the state Capitol. As Bronxites, we’re proud of our borough and of our new Assembly Speaker, Carl Heastie, who represents it,” said Senator Klein.

“Great things are happening in The Bronx, and ‘Bronx Day’ is a wonderful way to highlight our achievements to the New York State Legislature. On Monday, we will showcase ‘Best of The Bronx’ with the participation of our businesses, restaurants and cultural institutions. I am proud to once again partner with Assembly Member Mark Gjonaj and State Senator Jeff Klein on this fantastic event,” said Bronx Borough President Diaz.

“As a lifelong resident of one of the most vibrant communities in our state, it is with great pride that I join my fellow citizens in celebrating Bronx Day 2015. This borough of the City of New York has made so many contributions to the cultural and economic fabric of our great state and our country. I invite everyone to share in the celebration of this treasured piece of New York’s heritage,” said Assembly Speaker Heastie.