Thousands Attend 2nd Annual Caribbean Carnival in the Rockaways Hosted By Senator James Sanders Jr.

Thousands of people lined the streets and packed Bayswater Park for the 2nd Annual Caribbean Carnival in the Rockaways hosted by Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village, Far Rockaway), held on Saturday, August 18, 2018. There were parade floats, costumed masqueraders, calypso, reggae and soca music, traditional foods, clothing and crafts and much more.

“We are proud to bring this spectacular celebration to the community for a second year,” Sanders said. “My team along with residents, leaders and multiple organizations worked hand in glove to make this amazing day possible. It is a day when we can celebrate all cultures – Caribbean and American – those from Rockaway and those from all over this great city and state. Out of many, we are one. That's the motto of Trinidad -- together we aspire, together we achieve.”

The Carnival was conducted in collaboration with the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC) and NYC Parks Department. It started on Beach 20th Street and Seagirt Boulevard and culminated with live performances at Bayswater Park. There were also plenty of merchants selling the food of the islands as well as cool drinks and sweet treats.

Senator Sanders was joined at the Carnival by Cynthia Nixon, candidate for the Governor of New York, City Council Member Jumaane Williams, who is running for Lieutenant Governor of New York, City Council Member Donovan Richards and Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer-Amato.

The goal of the Carnival was to celebrate the various arts & culture of the Carribean while highlighting the hidden jewel that is the Rockaways. Many civic groups and performers walked the parade route, dancing, singing and waving the flags of the many Caribbean countries.

When the parade portion concluded at the park, dozens of performers took the stage including Lord Nelson, Poser, and Natasha Williams, all of whom were honored with proclamations by Senator Sanders. MC Wassy was also honored, but unable to attend, so a representative accepted on his behalf. Other artists who took to the stage to perform included Grammy nominated GC, Billy Bob “The Jamaican Cowboy,” and Mr. Pearly. The MC was Sherry Morgan of VP Records.

Senator Sanders would like to extend a special thank you to: Benjamin Beechwood / Arverne By the Sea, G’s Restaurant of Rosedale, Golden Krust of Queens Village, Dicky's Barbecue Pit of Lawrence / Brooklyn, West Indian American Day Carnival Association, Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corp., NYC Parks Dept., FDNY, NYPD, EMS, Caribbean Carnival in the Rockaways Committee, Vinn Singha of Tri-Med, Laurel Deckelman Photography, Civic Groups, Lions Club, Rock Safe Streets, Child Center of NY, ENJ Productions, Da Band, and JMB Security.