The Battery Park City Block Party
“It may be as big as we’ve ever had,” said Anthony Notaro, co-organizer of the 14th annual Battery Park City Block Party, held near the North Cove on Sept. 20. As he spoke, children romped, played games and painted, local musicians performed on stage, and partygoers crowded around the 120 tables where local organizations promoted themselves and neighborhood vendors sold their fare. There was Zumba, a bubble gum blowing contest, a flea market, and a raffle by BPC Cares to raise funds for Nepalese disaster victims.
It all kicked off with a ceremony of appreciation for Tessa Huxley, the former executive director of the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy.
“I get a little choked up,” said Rosalie Joseph, who organized the party with Notaro and who launched it as a sprits-raising event in the wake of 9/11. “It’s a great feeling to see people loving the community and coming together. It’s all about community.”