Photos: Rolling River Hosts Spring Festival

Hundreds of local families “rocked the river” last Saturday as in East Rockaway held their second annual to raise money for the Campmates scholarship program.

Long Island publication Local Luxuries co-sponsored this year’s festival, which provided a wide array of springtime activities for local families. The outdoor event, held on Rolling River’s riverside campgrounds, featured carnival rides, arts and crafts, music, tumbling, face painting, sand art, and refreshments such as Ralph’s Ices and Dippin' Dots.

More than 40 local businesses from across the Tri-State area sponsored activities at the festival. Children were treated to multiple free demo classes throughout the day in yoga, karate, gymnastics, jump roping and children’s fitness. Participating vendors also opened pop-up stores to sell items including nut-free bakery goods, colorful flower crowns, and custom-made jewelry.

Rolling River Owner and Director Mark Goodman was enthusiastic about the community’s response.

“We were overwhelmed by the fantastic turnout for this event,” Goodman said. “The positive support from local businesses reinforced the importance of giving back to children in the community.”

Launched in 2010, The Campmates ProgramTM is a joint partnership between Rolling River Day Camp and Peninsula Counseling Center, one of the oldest and largest mental health counseling centers on Long Island. The program awards complimentary tuition's to children associated with Peninsula Counseling Center.

Local business donations and community fundraisers such as the Rock-the-River Festival provide year-round support for this program. In the first two years, the initiative has provided over 15 tuition-free camp scholarships for children in Nassau County & Queens.

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