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Arts & Entertainment

Mamaroneck's 'Ultimate Block Party' Is a Success

The first night of Mamaroneck Shares was filled with activities for all.

Mayor Norm Rosenblum was just one of the many Mamaroneck notables who were dancing in the street and enjoying the festivities of the opening night of Mamaroneck Shares on Thursday, June 24.

Described as "the ultimate block party," it was the first of three summer events that combined a night of food, music and fun on Mamaroneck Avenue to bring people to the area and raise money for local charities. Last night, funds went to the Community Action Program (CAP), Larchmont-Mamaroneck Community Counseling Center and Keep aBreast, in support of Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

"The night has been fabulous and we have been really excited," said Peggy Jackson, one of the organizers of the event. "There are a lot of people from Mamaroneck here, which is great for the village and great for the charities."

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It was a night filled with family-friendly activities. Clowns entertained up and down the street, face painting and bracelet making booths were available for the little ones and there were plenty of smiling faces eating popcorn and cotton candy.

"We have an obstacle course that has been packed all night," Jackson said. "Children of all ages took part and everyone is having such a great time."

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Money was raised through donations, sponsorships and raffle sales that had prizes such as diamond earrings, plane tickets and gift certificates.

"It's been absolutely unreal. We are very pleased with the amount of people," said co-organizer Ellen Hauptman. "We didn't expect it to be this big the first night, and it's just going to get bigger and better from here."

Among the highlights of the event were a pizza making demonstration, dancing lessons and plenty of music.

"We have been here all night and we are running into so many old friends and people who we just haven't gotten to see in so long," said Ralph Mancuso. "This was such a great idea. It's good for the businesses and it gives all of us here a chance to support our community."

From Spencer Place to Prospect Avenue, bands played on every corner. Reunion rocked out to some oldies favorites and Molly Spillane's had Padraig Allen & the McLean Avenue Band playing Irish faves all night.

"We really hope this becomes an annual event," said Mike Hynes, proprietor of Molly Spillanes's, who helped come up with the idea for Mamaroneck Shares. "We wanted to throw a great, big block party and we succeeded."

The street was packed with laughing children, dancing adults and it was the kind of atmosphere that reminded people how great Mamaroneck can be.

 

With two more events scheduled for this summer—on July 29 and August 19—Mamaroneck Shares looks to be raising a lot of money for some great causes.

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