High Tide

Well, that’s another great Rockaway summer in the books! We hope you enjoyed this Labor Day weekend—and the weather—as much as we did. Even the whales and dolphins were out celebrating— treating beachgoers to a special show.

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If you’re still soaking up the last of summer, please note that lifeguards will be on duty only through this Sunday, September 7. A big thank-you to all our lifeguards for another season of outstanding work.

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The boardwalk concessions also remain open. Rippers on Beach 86th is open through September 13. Caracas and Brothers at Beach 106th are open through September. A few of the concessions at Beach 97th also remain open this month with a full music lineup each weekend.

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At long last, we have our Photo Contest Champion! Congratulations to Chris St. Lawrence for his winning shot. Kudos as well to Tom Farley and Don Riepe, who tied for second, and to Dan Mundy, who rounded out the podium. Many thanks to our sponsors—NYC Ferry, Jamaica Bay–Rockaway Parks Conservancy, and NYC Parks Department. And thank you to everyone who participated. We hope to see you back next year! (Hint: this time of year in Rockaway can be especially photogenic—so get out there and start snapping!)

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This week brought a dose of reality for many of us, with heavier traffic on the morning commute. We hope all the kids—and teachers—heading back to school are adjusting well.

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With summer winding down and fall around the corner, some of us are ready for pumpkin-flavored lattes or beers. But most of all, we’re counting down the days until Harbor Light’s Oktoberfest menu, starting Monday, September 15. It’s so good, we can hardly wait.

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The 44th Annual Great Irish Fair will be held on Saturday, September 13, in Brooklyn. Mass begins at 9 a.m. at Holy Name of Jesus, 245 Prospect Park West, followed by the fair at 11 a.m. One of this year’s honorees is Father Jim Cunningham of St. Francis de Sales, recipient of the Captain Timothy Stackpole Memorial Award. Congratulations, Father Jim!

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Looking for a furry friend this fall? Noah’s Ark Animal Rescue and PURR RBNY are hosting a cat and kitten adoption event at Petco Howard Beach on Thursday, September 18 at 4 p.m. For applications or more details, call 929-224-2926.

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And get ready—because the Poseidon Parade is right around the corner! The annual celebration will take place on Saturday, September 27 at 1 p.m. Registration is now open at poseidensparade.com, where you’ll also find details on the day’s events and festivities.

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The new Queens Bus Network Redesign plan is fully in effect. Changes have been made to the Q22, Q35 and Q52 routes, and the express QM15, QM16 and QM17. The Q22 no longer goes west of Beach 116th Street, as that service has been replaced by the Q35, which now runs along Rockaway Beach Blvd. instead of Newport Avenue. The Q22 has also been extended to the Far Rockaway LIRR station and is making two trips a day to Bayswater. The new Q35 route extends to the ferry landing at Beach 108th, instead of ending at Beach 116th Street. The Q52 has been extended to Beach 50th Street. Signage and MTA staff are on site at major bus hubs to help with any questions. For more info, visit mta.info/queensbus

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Keep in mind that Rockaway’s weekend street parking rules remain in effect until September 30.

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