Daffodils in bloom at Gantry Plaza State Park. (Image by Robert DiMaio)
Oct. 14, 2020 By Michael Dorgan
The sixth annual LIC Bulbfest will take place later this month and will be different from previous years in order to comply with COVID-19 guidelines.
The event, which is organized by the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy (HPPC), will see volunteers plant more than 12,000 bulbs in Hunters Point South Park and Gantry Plaza State Park on Saturday, Oct. 31.
This year, volunteers will be required to wear face masks and follow proper hygiene and social distancing guidelines, according to the HPPC.
A new check-in process is being introduced to space out the number of attendees entering the parks.
HPPC is asking for volunteers to help them plant tulip and daffodil bulbs. Volunteers are asked to meet at the railroad tracks in Hunters Point South Park at the intersection of 51st. Avenue and Center Boulevard.
Bulbfest 2016 (Photo: HPPC)
The event is set to kick off at 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 31 and finish at 12:30 p.m.
Instructions on how to plant bulbs will be given at that time and volunteers of all ages are welcome, the HPPC said.
A combined total of nearly 35,000 bulbs have been planted at the last five events and the HPPC is hoping that this year’s planting will lead to remarkable spring blooms.
HPPC President Rob Basch said the conservancy is looking forward to seeing residents taking part in the event and then watching the fruits of their labor blossom in the spring.
“The parks have never been more important to our community and this year’s Bulbfest promises to be extra special,” Basch said.
Basch said that volunteers are encouraged to dress up in costume this year because the event falls on Halloween. There will be a prize for the best costume, he said.
Volunteers must sign up in advance here and check-in times run every 15 minutes between 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Each check-in time is limited to a maximum of 12 participants.
Face protection masks will be provided to participants if necessary and the HPPC will also provide gardening gloves and sanitized tools. Hand sanitizer will also be provided.
More information can be found on the HPPC Facebook page or by emailing info@hunterspointparks.org.
Tulips in bloom in Hunter’s Point South Park. Photo by Mark Christie.
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