High Tide

And just like that… it feels like summer has arrived!

*****

Nothing says summer like the Rockaway Volleyball League! Despite last week’s rain, this now-iconic league kicked off its season last Wednesday night. Take a walk or bike ride to Riis Park beach on Wednesday evenings to catch some of the action—and while you’re there, stop by the concessions. It’s always a good time.

*****

Father’s Day is around the corner. Want to surprise Dad with a special shoutout? Send us a nice photo of him to mail@rockawaytimes.com by Tuesday, June 10 at noon, and we’ll do our best to feature it in next week’s issue for Father’s Day.

*****

Our 2025 Rockaway Times Summer and Community Guide is in demand! We’re making it easier than ever to get your hands on a copy. More guides will be dropped off weekly at our usual bulk paper locations. Still haven’t gotten yours? Stop by our office—or for instant access, check it out on our website.

*****

Get out there and run! This Sunday, June 8, is the 45th Annual Buckley’s–Kennedy’s 5K Charity Run. Not running? Swing by the post-race Family Fun Day Picnic instead. This year’s race is dedicated to the memory of William Edwards, Ray Marten, and John Molloy. Register at www.heartshare.org/event/buckleysrun

*****

Don’t miss the Annual Rockaway Beach & Breezy Point Irish Festival. Hosted by AOH Division 21, the festival takes place Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at St. Camillus Church (Beach 100th St. & Shore Front Parkway). Admission is $15 per day for adults and children under 12 are free. For details, visit www.IrishFest21.com

*****

Celebrate Flag Day with the Rockaway Republican Club. Join the Flag Day fundraiser at Callie’s on Beach 129th Street on Saturday, June 14 at 5 p.m. Tickets include a meal, open bar, and live music. For more information, see the article on page 11 of this week’s issue.

*****

Domingo World 2025 launches its season on Sunday, June 8, from noon to 5 p.m. at Edgemere Farm located at 385 Beach 45th Street. This free event features performances and artwork, including live music, dance, and sculpture. Now in its third year, Domingo World, presented by nonprofit Edgemere Farm Works, reflects the farm’s mission to bring cultural, educational, and agricultural programming to the Edgemere and Rockaway communities. To RSVP, visit Domingo World or Edgemere Farm on Instagram.

*****

NYC Ferry Update: Rockaway Reserve & Rockaway Rocket are back! The Rockaway Reserve lets riders reserve weekend and holiday spots on select morning trips to Rockaway and afternoon returns to Wall St./Pier 11 and the Brooklyn Army Terminal. The Rockaway Rocket returns July 4, offering two morning trips from Long Island City and Greenpoint, and two return trips in the afternoon. Both tickets are $12 and include priority boarding and a guaranteed seat. Bringing a bike? Be sure to reserve a $0 bicycle ticket in advance, as onboard space is limited.

*****

Like something out of a horror movie, the spotted lanternflies are back … and hatching. Experts warn this could be a particularly bad summer for them. Some swear by home remedies like a mix of Dawn and vinegar spray, but we recommend the classic approach: see one, stomp it.

*****

‘Tis the season to spot sharks. A big 15-foot fresher was caught on camera lurking under the Atlantic Beach Bridge this week. See it on our Facebook page.

*****

Prefer to read The Rockaway Times online? Email us at mail@rockawaytimes.com and we’ll sign you up for our weekly email blast, delivered every Thursday morning right to your inbox.