On a picture-perfect summer Sunday, Republicans from across Queens celebrated America’s 250th anniversary with not one, but two patriotic gatherings that blended classic backyard barbecue traditions with community fellowship and a healthy dose of campaign season enthusiasm.
The “tale of two barbecues” began in Maspeth, where the Queens County Republican Party (GOP) hosted its annual barbecue, before shifting east to Alley Pond Park for the Queens Village Republican Club’s family fun day. While each event had its own personality, both shared a common theme of celebrating America, encouraging civic participation and energizing supporters ahead of the November elections.
Photo by Robert Pearl
The first stop was the Queens County GOP Barbecue, organized by Chairman Anthony P. Nunziato and Executive Director Rusat Ramgopal, at Frank Kowalinski Post 4 in Maspeth. The venue was decked out in red, white and blue, with American flags and patriotic decorations welcoming hundreds of party members, local residents and candidates.
Photo by Robert Pearl
Guests enjoyed a summertime feast of grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken thighs, salads and side dishes before topping off the afternoon with oversized chocolate chip and traditional black-and-white cookies.
Photo by Robert Pearl
Entertainment came courtesy of an Elvis Presley tribute performer, who had attendees singing along to timeless classics before, as the saying goes, “Elvis left the building” and politics took center stage.
Nunziato urged Republicans to remain engaged and continue fighting for New York.
“My kids and my grandkids aren’t leaving,” he said. “We’re going to stay together, fight, fight, fight, make sure the GOP message gets out, volunteer, campaign and vote this November.”
Nunziato also highlighted the statewide Republican ticket led by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s gubernatorial campaign before welcoming several candidates to address the crowd.
Photo by Robert Pearl
Among them was Republican candidate for State Comptroller Joseph Hernandez, who encouraged supporters to remain optimistic about New York’s future before heading to the second barbecue later that afternoon.
Council Member Phil Wong, a welcome common-sense Democrat who took over Bob Holden’s seat, also addressed attendees, discussing his work representing western Queens and his opposition to the City’s controversial “City of Yes” zoning initiative while pledging to continue advocating for neighborhood concerns.
Council Member Phil Wong addresses attendees. Photo by Robert Pearl
As the afternoon progressed, the festivities moved to Alley Pond Park, where the Queens Village Republican Club transformed the park into a patriotic family festival celebrating both America 250 and community involvement.
Photo by Robert Pearl
Photo by Robert Pearl
Photo by Robert Pearl
Photo by Robert Pearl
American flags lined the grounds while festive tents provided shade from the summer sun. Club chairman Joe Concannon worked the grounds, president Phil Orenstein drew smiles dressed as Uncle Sam, while Elena Coppola, representing the Queens chapter of Moms for Liberty, portrayed none other than Lady Liberty. They welcomed families to the group’s educational “Liberty Tree” exhibit. The display explained how colonial Americans gathered beneath Boston’s famed Liberty Tree to organize, debate and defend their freedoms, while encouraging today’s generation to embrace courage, kindness, responsibility and civic engagement.
Photo by Robert Pearl
Photo by Robert Pearl
Master of ceremonies Jimmy James kept the crowd entertained throughout the afternoon, serving as DJ, introducing speakers, and later presenting magician Vinny, whose performance delighted younger attendees. Children also enjoyed face painting, games, arts and crafts, tug-of-war competitions, races and outdoor activities while families relaxed with food and music. Kids were even treated to a special drone show.
Photo by Robert Pearl
Photo by Robert Pearl
Photo by Robert Pearl
Campaign season was never far away. Local candidates greeted voters, shook hands and distributed campaign literature, while lawn signs supporting gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman could be seen throughout the park.
Photo by Robert Pearl
Photo by Robert Pearl
Among the organizations participating was Project Civica, a statewide civic organization promoting government transparency and accountability, represented by its president, Steve Gillan.
Animal rights advocate Robert Becerra, serving as campaign manager for the Blakeman campaign’s animal welfare initiative, introduced the “Animal Lovers for Blakeman” effort, calling for stronger protections against animal cruelty.
Robert Becerra introduces the Animal Lovers for Blakeman effort. Photo by Robert Pearl
“We have solutions where there are problems,” Becerra said, proposing a statewide Department of Animal Welfare and dedicated animal cruelty hotline while describing the issue as “not a political issue… a humanitarian issue.”
Also addressing attendees was Stefano Forte, president of the New York Young Republican Club, who invited Republicans of all ages to become active in their communities and stressed the importance of bringing friends and neighbors to the polls this November. He cited the NYYRC currently has 2000 members strong and growing.
Candidates, including State Senate (SD11) hopeful Pamela Michos, Assembly candidates Brandon Castro (AD30) and Welson Chang (AD24), spoke at the mic and then mingled with attendees throughout the afternoon, continuing the tradition of old-fashioned summer politicking.
As the sun began to set over Alley Pond Park, families gathered on the grass to dance and enjoy classic oldies, bringing to a close a day that celebrated America’s heritage through food, friendship, patriotism and civic engagement.
While the locations differed, they both seek together to turn Queens red this November. Both events reflected the same message: preserving American traditions, strengthening local communities, common-sense policies and encouraging voters to participate in shaping New York’s future.