Crowds Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Atlantic Antic
Singing, dancing, and a ’70s fashion show were among the activities at the half-century anniversary of the street fair, the oldest in Brooklyn.
The Atlantic Antic celebrated 50 years of street fair fun. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann
by Gabriele Holtermann, Brooklyn Paper
With perfect autumn weather galore, thousands of revelers flocked to Atlantic Avenue on October 5 for the Atlantic Antic, Brooklyn’s largest and longest-running street fair.
The beloved Brooklyn institution, presented by the Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation, celebrated a golden milestone this year: its 50th anniversary. For a half century, the neighborhood mainstay has bedazzled Brooklyn residents and beyond with its diversity, culture, cuisine, creativity, and positive energy.
Former Brooklynite Penny Clark, who moved to Queens years ago — only because someone presented her with an offer she couldn’t refuse — has been coming to the Antic for 30 years.
“I like the variety. I like the choices of food [and] the people. I’ve never had an argument or a bad time here. I like the way people treat each other when they come here,” Clark said of the fair’s positive vibes.
Clark’s friend, Darlyne Bratton, who hails from the “world’s borough,” compared the fair’s diversity to that of the United Nations.
“You go through the Caribbean, you go through the Mediterranean, you go through Asia. It’s just beautiful. I love it,” Bratton declared.
Former New Yorkers Antoinette and Bre Irons, who now reside in New Jersey, also appreciated the Antic’s upbeat atmosphere and its delicious food.
“[The fair] is awesome. The fact that everybody’s able to come out [and celebrate] different cultures, races, ages, doesn’t matter who, what, where, or when,” Antoinette said. “We’re just having a good time eating and enjoying this amazing weather. I know I’ll take it.”
“I always look for the fried shrimp. Usually, at the street fairs, they give it that extra love,” Bre added.
Local elected officials including Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Kim Council, and Council Member Lincoln Restler also celebrated the longstanding tradition’s diversity.
“This is not just the best block party for the neighborhood, this is the best block party in all of Brooklyn,” Restler said. “It brings the diversity of our borough together, and it’s an amazing tradition that I love each and every year.”
Festivities included a kids’ block featuring bounce houses and face painting, and circus performances by Bindlestiff Family Circus. Out of the Closet Thrift Store hosted a “Out in ’70s Style” fashion show and a Hustle Dance Party and Soul Train Line led by Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet Dancers. The Maimonides Medical Center Community Stage hosted an “Antic Sing!” competition where aspiring and established performers vied for cash prizes singing classic hits from the ’70s and ’80s. Batalá New York, an all-woman, Black-led Brazilian drum group, wowed the crowd with their high-energy performances of Afro-Brazilian music and dance.
More than 300 vendors — more than ever before — showcased their crafts, fashion, art, and culinary delights along the 1.5 miles of Atlantic Avenue between 4th Avenue and the waterfront.
Jewelry designer Sharron “Da Artist” from the “Boogie Down Bronx” and owner of the “Boogiedownbeader” hosted a stand at the Antic for the first time.
Sharron told Brooklyn Paper that she appreciated the borough’s artsy vibe.
“[Brooklyn] really kind of gravitates towards my style, which is a little funky, a little unique, so I said, ‘I’ll give it a shot,’ and here I am,” Sharron said.
Betty Bakery, a Boerum Hill staple for the past 30 years, partnered with Baby Smoker, offering platters of smoked ribs or chicken accompanied by sides of cornbread, coleslaw, and beans.
Betty Bakery owner and pastry chef Zeke Mandel is also a member of the AALDC board and was “thrilled” to celebrate 50 years of the Atlantic Antic. He said he is looking forward to the next 50.
“Just better, bigger, bolder,” Zeke predicted.
Editor’s note: A version of this story originally ran in Brooklyn Paper. Click here to see the original story.
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