Belle Harbor Enjoys Fall Freedom Fest

By Katie McFadden
It felt more like summer than fall on Saturday, October 19, and Rockaway sure enjoyed the freedom of the good weather with good company in Belle Harbor. The 3rd Annual Fall Freedom Fest was a success.
The sun was shining on Saturday as locals came out to enjoy the day before the cold of fall and winter sets in. The fun started at Callie’s as Anthem rocked the stage in the garden for hours, while folks enjoyed drink specials and German cuisine like knockwurst, pierogies and more. Then the fun continued at Pico as Bobby Butler played an acoustic set as guests enjoyed pumpkin espresso martinis and Bavarian pretzels. Panino Rustico-Baya Bar was serving up a delicious apple sangria and old fashions. At 4 p.m., the crowd took to the back of the Harbor Light as The Knobs had folks on their feet dancing and enjoying American fare and beer and wine specials. Finally, the party continued at Jamesons as DJ Matt Finley ended the night with some more danceable tunes.
“It went very well,” Harbor Light owner Sean Heeran said. This year’s bracelet and 50/50 sales were for a local young girl who is facing a cancer battle. The proceeds are still being tallied, but with the great weather bringing out a good crowd, there’s no doubt Fall Freedom Fest was a success.