With all the hubbub about American Pharaoh on the brink of becoming the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed swept all three races back in 1978, let’s talk priorities, people—Garden City’s upcoming 18th Annual Belmont Festival. It’s one of the most anticipated yearly events in the village and why shouldn’t it be? It’s a family-friendly gala that features live entertainment and music along with plenty of free activities for the kids that include face painting, pony rides and games. Those with a yen for art can stroll and admire the entries for the popular children’s poster contest. And if your stomach starts grumbling, there will be no shortage of wings to sample courtesy of the local restaurants that will be going to the mat in the Wing Off to see which establishment has the best wings in the area. Best of all, proceeds will benefit the Ace in the Hole Foundation, created in honor of 1st Lt. Michael LiCalzi, a Garden City resident who lost his life while serving his country during the Operation Iraqi Freedom in May 2006. All this serves as the local appetizer for the big doings at Belmont the next day and serves as a great way of getting ready for potential history being made.
—Dave Gil de Rubio
