High Tide

You couldn’t have asked for a better weekend! Whether you were at the Poseidon Parade, your kids’ sports, biking on the boardwalk, savoring those last licks of the concessions, or just enjoying live music at one of Rockaway’s local establishments, it was a joy to be out and about on the peninsula.

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And here we are—it’s October 2! Where did September go? Next up: Halloween, Thanksgiving, and then Christmas (which falls on a Thursday this year). Not to make anyone panic, but after today, there are only 11 more Thursdays until Christmas!

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To our Jewish friends observing Yom Kippur today: G’mar chatima tovah. We wish you a meaningful fast.

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Two of Rockaway’s main thoroughfares are gearing up for their annual Fall Festivals. The Beach 116th Street Fall Fest takes place this Sunday, October 5, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, food, and vendors. A kids’ festival—with rides, games, and a pumpkin patch—runs from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Then, mark your calendars for Saturday, October 18, when Harbor Light and the Beach 129th Street establishments host their annual Fall Freedom Fest. Come out and support the local businesses that make our community such a special place!

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This Saturday, October 4, at 10 a.m., St. Francis de Sales will celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi with the annual Blessing of the Animals in the prayer garden at Beach 129th Street and Rockaway Beach Boulevard. All pets—Catholic or not—are welcome to receive a blessing.

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Also this Sunday, October 5, at 9 a.m., is the “Catch a Cure” 5K family walk/run, starting on the boardwalk at Beach 116th Street. Since 2017, Catch a Cure has raised vital funds for families on the peninsula coping with cancer. This year’s honorees include, from Rockaway: In Memory of Richie O’Connor, and In Honor of Marianne “Skippy” Doyle Leonard. From Breezy/Roxbury: In Memory of Patricia Redmond, and In Honor of June Morgan. From Broad Channel: In Memory of Billy Gill, and In Honor of Liz Boyle. Come run—or walk—for a great cause! Register online at Rockawaytc.org or in person at the Belle Harbor Yacht Club tonight, Thursday, October 2, from 6 to 8 p.m.

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On Saturday, October 11, from 4 to 6 p.m., The New York Times’ Chief Wine Critic, Eric Asimov, will lead a “Natural Wines” tasting at the RISE Educational Garden, 190 Beach 44th Street. Tickets are $200 and must be purchased in advance at www.riserockaway.org. All proceeds will support RISE’s new one-acre, community-owned and operated Native Plant Nursery, Seed Bank, and Educational Garden.

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On Sunday, October 12, at the 10 a.m. Mass, the St. Francis de Sales Quilters will hold their annual Blessing of the Quilts. Following Mass, the quilts will be on display and available for purchase in the Msgr. Reddy small hall.

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Last call! If you were one of the photographers selected in the 2025 Rockaway Times Photo Contest (Top 30 or Honorable Mention) and would like to keep your enlarged photo that was displayed on the boardwalk or ferry landing, please call our office at 718-634-3030 to arrange pickup.

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Reminder: We email the full paper every Thursday to more than 4,200 readers. They get it fast (8:30 a.m.) and free! Are you on the list? If not, send us a note at Mail@Rockawaytimes.com and we’ll add you.