Business & Tech

7 Things to Know About the Belmont Festival

17th Annual Belmont Festival takes place Friday evening in Garden City.

All eyes will be on New York as the fastest horses in the country gear up for the 2014 Belmont Stakes race this weekend. Here are seven things you should know:

  1. Garden City is proudly hosting the 17th Annual Belmont Festival to welcome the participants in the final leg of the Triple Crown.

  2. The celebration will kick off at 6 p.m. Friday and runs until 10 p.m. The festival is contained to Seventh Street between Hilton Avenue and Franklin Avenue.

  3. The festival caters to all ages. Adults can grab a drink and enjoy live music while the kids can partake in face painting, pony rides, games, and treats.

  4. Here are five acts you can't miss:
    1. Garden City's Broadway Bound Dance Center students
    2. Fivestone Rock Band
    3. Jerry & the Newcomers
    4. New Vintage Orchestra
    5. Nor'easter, formerly Speak Easy.

  5. Don't miss a charity Wing-Off during the festival to benefit the Ace in the Hole Foundation. The fundraiser took in $2,000 last year for the charity that honors Garden City's First Lt. Michael LiCalzi, who lost his life in 2006 while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Garden City's Prost Grill and Garten came in first last year. Who will win this year?

  6. Those meandering around the streets of Garden City may spot a jockey or trainer as many are reportedly staying at the Garden City Hotel during the race.

  7. For safety purposes, all cars must be removed from Seventh Street by 4 p.m., at which time the street will close to traffic for the duration of the festival.
Are you going to the Belmont Festival this weekend? What is your favorite part of the festival? How are you celebrating the Belmont Stakes? Tell us in the comments.

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