Keith Hicks, executive director with the Greenpoint YMCA, said the festival helps get kids and parents involved in the afterschool programs the YMCA offers, especially at the start of the school year.
“The whole idea with the open house is to have our doors open for the parents and families to see what we have to offer,” he explained, adding the YMCA is currently waiving its sign-up fee for new members.
Families who already have kids at the YMCA brought their friends, and passersby in the neighborhood also stopped to check out the festivities.
Radio Disney Live also set up a DJ booth with music for dancing and performances from the YMCA's Capoeira program, a Brazilian martial arts that combines dance and acrobatics.
Nicole Isles brought her two nephews to the open house from Crown Heights to have fun with their friends and play outside.
“They usually enjoy coming to the YMCA for these activities,” Isles said. “Especially the big one, he loves to stay in and watch Disney or play video games.”