Neir’s Tavern’s 197th anniversary was celebrated during its annual block party along 88th Avenue, between 78th Street and 77th Street in Woodhaven, on Saturday, Oct. 3.

The block party was held along 88th Avenue, between 78th Street, which is also known as Neir’s Tavern Way, and 77th Street. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

During the event, Neir’s Tavern Owner Loycent Gordon made a public symbolic signing of the tavern’s new ten-year lease agreement. This ceremony concluded with the cutting and distirbution of a cake celebrating Neir’s Tavern’s 197th anniversary.

The cake celebrating Neir’s Tavern’s 197th anniversary. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

As part of the anniversary celebration, multiple community leaders were presented with Neir’s Ambassador Awards. Recipients included Charlie Vaicels, who received the Advocacy Award, Richard Fogel, who received the Community Service Award, Rachel Kellner, whose business, Aigner Chocolates, received the Small Business Champion Award, Carlos Varon of Wreaths Across America, who received the History and Preservation Award, Kristen Guglielmo of the Queens Chronicle, who was given the third annual Ruschell Boone Legacy Award, and Donna Salmon, who received the Ambassador of the Year Award.

Advocacy Award Winner Charlie Vaicels (fourth from left). Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Community Service Award Winner Richard Fogal (fourth from left). Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Small Business Champion Award Winner Rachel Kellner (fourth from left). Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
History and Preservation Award Winner Carlos Varon (fifth from left). Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Ruschell Boone Legacy Award Winner Kristen Guglielmo (third from left). Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Ambassador of the Year Award Winner Donna Salmon. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud 

“In keeping with our mantra, Community Conquers All, these six honorees are true examples of what it means to restore the balance in a time when so much of our community’s history feels like it is disappearing,” Gordon said. “Through their local advocacy, championing of small businesses and amplification of community voices, they are actively multiplying the good.”

Neir’s Tavern Owner Loycent Gordon addresses attendees of the block party. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

The block party, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Ozone Park-Woodhaven, attracted over 700 community members, who enjoyed several games and activities. This included a steeplechase event, a bouncy castle, face painting and more.

Kids enjoyed the bouncy castle. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

A raffle was also held by Neir’s Tavern, with participants having the opportunity to win baskets full of several prizes, including the limited-edition Queens Monopoly, as well as branded Neir’s T-shirts, hats, and more.

Baskets of prizes for the raffle. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

Free food, including hot dogs, cotton candy and popcorn, along with bottled water, was distributed to attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, several tables were set up offering a wide variety of community resources.

Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

The event also featured a live DJ, as well as a performance by Soul Frequency, featuring Jelani Maleeq, where they led a community dance.

Attendees had the opportunity to pose for a souvenir photo at the “Goodfellas Challenge” banner.
A young attendee of the block party poses for a photo at the “Goodfellas Challenge” banner. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

Organizations and indiduals who helped put this celebration together included the Neir’s Tavern Ambassadors, the 197th Anniversary Planning Committee, NYC Community Board 9, the Woodhaven Cultural and Historical Society, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, the Woodhaven BID, State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. and several dedicated volunteers.

Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud