Bronx residents descended upon Jerome Avenue on droves between Mosholu Parkway and Gun Hill Road for the annual Jerome-Gun Hill Business Improvement District Festival on the last Saturday afternoon in September.

Now in its 10th year, the event drew large crowds as people of all ages enjoyed musical entertainment, games, shopping and food.
Organizers said the annual festival is a chance for people of the Bronx to come out and connect with local businesses in the area, while having a little fun.

“The purpose of it is to have merchants of the BID showcase goods and services, and to celebrate the community,” says Roberto Garcia, executive director of Mosholu Preservation Corporation, which manages the Jerome-Gun Hill BID. (Ed. Note: MPC publishes the Norwood News.)

Several musical artists were set to perform during the day, to the delight of 57-year-old Gary Love, who danced in front of the stage for several songs.

“This is the first time I’ve been [to the festival] in 10 years,” said Love over the pounding of the live music. “It’s great. You feel happy.”
Several business owners set up stalls along the roadway under the #4 elevated train tracks, selling clothes, shoes, and house items in efforts to capitalize on the crowds.

“It’s good. There are a lot of people here. I want to sell what I have,” said Felipe Garcia, 25, who was hawking bedsheets to festival

attendees.

While weather forecasters had called for rain for much of the weekend in New York City, it held off throughout the day to the relief of festival-goers and organizers.

“It never rains on Jerome Avenue,” said Roberto Garcia, laughing.