April 29, 2015 By Michael Florio
The Long Island City Partnership is getting ready for its second Vernon Blvd. block party.
The partnership, which will be closing off Vernon Blvd between 50th Ave and 46th Ave, will be hosting the festival–called LIC Springs–on Saturday May 9, between 12 pm and 5 pm.
Last year more than 5,000 people attended, and the partnership is expecting the turnout to be even bigger this year.
Cultural groups, fitness companies and bars/restaurants will be participating in this year’s event.
There will be several performances–including Irish dancing by the McManus Irish Dance group at Woodbines; a circus act by the Long Island City-based Circus Warehouse; and a performance by a ballerina at Bareburger.
Several other businesses will be hosting events. There will be an archery-related game run by LIC-based Indoor Extreme Sports; several group workout sessions held by LIC-based CrossFit Gantry; and gelato eating contests at Manducatis Rustica.
Local cultural institutions will also be represented at event–such as MoMA PS1, Socrates Sculpture Park, Noguchi Museum, Materials for the Arts, the LIC Cultural Alliance, Museum of the Moving Image, along with site specific art from local LIC artists.
The partnership will also be hosting the second annual LIC Springs photo contest. The partnership wants those in attendance to follow the organization on Twitter and Instagram, and use #LICSprings and #BlockParty while posting photos from the event.
Residents should also use the hashtags, #Dining #Arts #Family and #Friends. Winners will be selected and receive a prize package for each category.