Ariola Celebrates Beach 116th Reopening with Fireworks

Councilwoman Joann Ariola celebrated the grand reopening of the beach on Beach 116th Street on Saturday, June 21, marking the occasion with a concert and a fireworks show. The music was provided by the Roadkill Country Outlaws, and fireworks – launched from a barge just offshore -were staged by Grucci, known as “America’s First Family of Fireworks.”

After five years of waiting for the beach to open due to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers using Beach 116th as their staging area, the beach is finally open for access, with lifeguards on duty in the area when available.

“The people of Rockaway have waited a long time for the beach to re-open on Beach 116th Street, and I am proud to say that this year it is finally happening,” Councilwoman Ariola said. “What better way to celebrate the occasion than with a good old-fashioned fireworks show! Thank you to Roadkill and to Grucci for making this happen, to the merchants of Beach 116th Street for all you do, and to everyone who came out to celebrate with us. It was a beautiful time.”

Photos from Councilwoman Ariola’s office.