‘BRONX RIVIERA’ lights up for early July 4 celebration
On Thursday, June 24, Bronxites
and visitors from all over the
region joined Bronx Borough
President Ruben Diaz Jr. and New
York City Councilman Mark Gjonaj as
they hosted the borough’s offi cial kickoff
to this year’s Independence Day celebrations,
the annual “New York Salutes
America” boardwalk festival and
fi reworks extravaganza at Orchard
Beach.
“The annual ‘New York Salutes
America’ boardwalk festival and fi reworks
extravaganza at Orchard Beach
is one of our jewel events, and is a great
way to kick-off our city’s July 4th celebrations,”
Diaz Jr. said. “After the trying
year we have had, I was proud to
once again join Council Member Mark
Gjonaj in bringing our neighbors together
in-person to celebrate America,
at one of my favorite places in the
world, Orchard Beach. I want to thank
Montefi ore and The Bronx Chamber of
Commerce for making this event possible.”
The event was sponsored by Montefi
ore Health System and The Bronx
Chamber of Commerce. The event was
produced by The Bronx Tourism Council,
The Bronx Overall Economic Development
Corporation and Business
Initiative Corporation of New York. In
addition to a fi reworks show by the
world-famous Grucci, spectators also
enjoyed music and entertainment by
DJ Ralphie Mercado.
“I am proud to again sponsor the
‘New York Salutes America’ fi rework
celebration with Borough President
Ruben Diaz Jr.,” Gjonaj said. “Now
more than ever, it is important that
we celebrate the resilient nature of
our community and its residents. This
event is not only a great opportunity
for Bronxites to come together and enjoy
an amazing fi reworks show but it is
a salute to that unique ‘can do’ Bronx
spirit that has enabled us to persevere
and excel in the face of challenges.”
Lisa Sorin, president of the New
Bronx Chamber of Commerce, added,
“While our primary focus is connecting
local businesses with vital pandemic
recovery tools and growth resources
and representing the Bronx
business community in government,
we were proud to support this event at
our treasured ‘Bronx Riviera,’ which
provided so much enjoyment for our
Bronx families.”
From left, Marcos Crespo, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., City Council candidate Marjorie Velazquez,
BRONX TIMES R 6 EPORTER, JULY 2-8, 2021 BTR
Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, Councilman Kevin Riley, Assemblyman Kenny Burgos, Lisa Sorin,
Bronx Chamber of Commerce president and Councilman Mark Gjonaj. Photo Aracelis Batista