All week long prior to our Wonderful Woodhaven Street Festival on Sunday, I was checking the weather forecasts. It was truly a nerve-wracking time, for the forecast was bleak.

Then by the Friday before, we knew that we would be in trouble. The forecast was a Noreaster through Saturday and then another Noreaster coming in Saturday night into Sunday, the day of our annual festival. Yes, not just one dose of bad weather, but when the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation states rain or shine we mean rain or shine! The changes were that we had to cancel some of our entertainment because of the wet conditions. So, on our stage we started, although late with our great headliners the Four Pops and Sean Kershaw and the New Jack Ramblers.

We were fortunate that the predicted showers past early in the day, and the windy period was very short. But the cold weather persisted, yep it was a cold day. But through it all, we had a lot of people and vendors all dressed for winter!

The theme of our Day again this year was “Patriotic Red White and Blue” and American flags were flying proudly along Woodhaven’s Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to 100th Street as always, and our GWDC Booth distributed over 300 small American Flags and keychains.

The beginning and the end of our festival blocks were marked by bright lights strung across our Jamaica Avenue at 80th Street and at Woodhaven Boulevard courtesy of Illuminations by Arnold. Also “chilling” (and I mean chilling!) were The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, the Woodhaven Residents’ Security Patrol, the 102nd Precinct Auxiliary Police, the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and many more non-for-profit groups. (all of which were given their spots free of charge!)

Our Jamaica Avenue restaurants welcomed in those that wanted seated service.

Those participating were our own Pan Ugo Bakery, Lucky Thailand Kitchen and Taste of Italy Pizzeria. All the restaurants on our Avenue were very busy.

Also the businesses Karako Suit Warehouse, the Center for Alternative Medicine , the Haven “Hallmark” Card Store, the Woodhaven Gallery, Woodhaven Pharmacy, McDonalds, Allstate, RiteAid, Duane Reade, Exclusive Men’s Wear, Harry’s Grocery, Dr. Castelli, Mayo Karate, R and S Navy,Park Place Greenery, GJ Office Supplies, Evan David Optical, T-Mobile, Advanced Medical, and Healthmax Pharmacy.

We had a surprise guest on Woodhaven’s Jamaica Avenue, walking from Woodhaven Boulevard to the stage was “Mayor of the World” Rudolph Giuliani! To the delight of those in attendance (and their were many, in spite of the weather) he greeted all and even dropped by D’Aleo’s Pizzeria and spoke to Santo the owner.

Our formal Ceremony for the day was held at 4 p.m. Awards were presented to four true Woodhaven supporters. The first award presented by our President Stephen Esposito (of Orthopedic Shoes) was to our own Gene and his mother Rita McCauley owners of the Woodhaven Gallery on Woodhaven’s Jamaica Avenue. These talented artisans photograph, restore photographs, do portrait painting and framing.

Our second honoree was Binder Vasudev,who was recognized for his monetary investment in the renovation and beautification of the now new Cordon Bleu Caterers. Another honoree was Walter H. Roundtree, our liaison to the NYC Comptrollers Office.

We also were treated to a stirring singing of the Star Spangled Banner by Woodhavenite David Cronin. It was a wonderful day, and again the best street fair in Queens! To all of our Woodhaven’s Jamaica Avenue stores and businesses and all of local organizations, the unique vendors and most of all the wonderful old and young new happy homeowners and residents in attendance, a big thank you.

The GWDC Staff thanks our supportive Board of Directors, President Stephen R. Esposito, our hardworking Staff Maureen, Lisa, Sean, John, James with special assistance from our Joe and all the fine young people of Woodhaven who helped us that day.

Most of all though, we thank you the residents of Woodhaven, for you made this day the success it was, proving once again that Woodhaven is strong, Stable and safe.

May God bless our armed forces, may God bless our coalition forces, may God bless our good leaders, and may God bless America.