High Tide

L’Shanah Tovah! Rosh Hashanah, the first of the High Holidays and the Jewish New Year, begins on the evening of Monday, September 22, and ends on the evening of Wednesday, September 24. Happy New Year to all our friends who celebrate!

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What a beautiful weekend we just had. It was wonderful to see so many people out enjoying the boardwalk, the concessions, and live music at local spots. Take advantage of this great time in Rockaway—get outside and support our local businesses.

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A friendly reminder: even though many of us are already in fall mode, the uptown summer parking rules remain in effect until September 30.

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Save the Date! The Jamaica Bay–Rockaway Parks Conservancy and the Garden by the Bay will host the Pollinator Festival on Sunday, September 28, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Garden by the Bay, 480 Beach 43rd Street. This free, family-friendly event will celebrate the vital role of pollinators with hands-on activities, crafts, nature games, garden explorations, and a live butterfly release for all ages.

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If you were a photographer whose work was selected as a Top 30 or Honorable Mention in the 2025 Rockaway Times Photo Contest, and you’d like to pick up your enlarged photo that was displayed on the boardwalk or at the ferry landing, please contact our office at 718-634-3030 to arrange a pickup time.

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​​Congratulations to local swimmer Sean Green, who has been named to the 2025-2026 U.S. National Junior Swimming Team! This year’s team is made up of 91 of the nation’s top swimmers, ages 18 and under. Green not only earned a spot on the roster but also qualified for the most events of anyone on the team—a remarkable five in total.

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The Rockaway Track Club is hosting a Half Marathon and 5K on Saturday, September 27, at the Amphitheater on Beach 94th Street. Bib tag, T-shirt, and check-in begin at 6:30 a.m., with both races starting at 8 a.m. For details and registration, visit www.rockawaytc.org

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St. Francis de Sales Parish is holding its Oktoberfest 50/50 Raffle. The winner will be drawn on Sunday, October 26. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased after Mass or from any Parish Council or Finance Committee member. All proceeds benefit the Parish.

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Get your costumes and floats ready—the Poseidon Parade is right around the corner! This year’s parade takes place on Saturday, September 27, beginning at 1 p.m. Registration is open at poseidensparade.com, where you’ll also find more details about the day’s festivities.

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The Beach 116th Street Fall Fest is set for Sunday, October 5, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy live music, food, and vendors, plus a kids’ festival with rides, games, and a pumpkin patch from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Local vendors interested in participating can contact Michael Fiore at Michael@themeatupgrill.com for more information. There’s also a special Kidpreneur opportunity: kids 16 and under can rent their own 6-foot table for just $40 to sell baked goods, jewelry, art, and other creations.

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