Hundreds gather in Staten Island Park for the Raritan Bay Festival

STATEN ISLAND, NY — Conference House Park was the place to be Saturday as Staten Island residents and families enjoyed various activities at the 2024 Raritan Bay Festival.

Kayaking, music and games were just some of the fun activities that hundreds of residents enjoyed while soaking up the sun.

Erin Ulitto expressed her appreciation for local events like the festival.

“I like it (the festival) because it’s close and you can walk to it. The kids have fun, so it’s a great time,” she said.

Just a few meters away, two food trucks offered a selection of delicious treats for families, who then strolled down to the water to listen to one of the many musical performances in the pavilion.

Near the park entrance, a group of children have gathered to take part in various crafts and games and then cheer on the artist “Music With Patrick”.

The young people were brave enough to strap on life jackets and venture into the water in a kayak; the idyllic weather allowed for a calm trip.

Great Kills resident Jeffrey Pilande went kayaking with his children and said it was “a great time.”

“I’m a police officer here in the 123rd (precinct) and it’s definitely a pleasure for me to patrol this area, protect it and also enjoy it,” Pilande said.

James Pistilli, president of Conference House Park Conservancy Inc., pointed out that the event was held in 2012 and attracted nearly 1,800 people at its peak.

“Due to a series of changes, a change in park management and then COVID, things just fell by the wayside,” Pistilli said.

Thanks to numerous sponsors, the event was able to be revived. Pistilli added that all the bands present had donated their time.

“We try to offer as many activities as possible and hope that the reintroduction of the Raritan Bay Festival will continue to grow with more events and activities,” Pistilli said.

Other events in the park include yoga and exercise groups, park cleanups and music events, according to Pistilli.