By Michael V. Cusenza
Area families last week enjoyed five days of summer fun at St. Helen’s for a second year as the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic organized a community carnival, popularly known as the Howard Beach Feast, on the grounds of the Rockwood Park Roman Catholic church.
Rides, games, food trucks, and vendor booths were set up in both parking lots as well as along 157th Avenue. First responder and Sept. 11 hero Dominick DeVito and his wife Karen, along with Howard Beach Flagman and community leader Eddie Earl, were on site nightly selling 50/50 raffle tickets to raise money for a new flagpole for the civic’s Sept. 11 Survivor Tree site.
Civic Co-President Phyllis Inserillo explained why the group decided to pick up the event that has been a tradition in the South Queens community for decades.
Photo Courtesy of the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic
Fazio Dance Center dancers show off their talent during the feast.
“It is so important for my children and all the children in the community to keep family fun and traditions going,” she said. “This was something that I always looked forward to as a kid and I’m so happy to be able to make sure that our children can make those memories too.”
The civic was able to raise nearly $34,000 that will go to the church and the new Sept. 11 Memorial Flagpole and plaque, which the community can view during the annual commemoration ceremony at the site on Sept. 10 at 2 p.m.
Civic Co-President Barbara McNamara said, “The community was able to have fun and we were able to raise money for two important causes. That’s what our work is all about.”
The all-volunteer organization plans to host the feast again in August 2024.
