2000+ Pack Lander College For Men’s Quad In KGH For Chazaq’s Largest-Ever Children’s Carnival

Towering inflatable air dancers swayed at the entrance to the Lander College for Men (LCM) Quad as festive music filled the air and families streamed in for an afternoon of fun. Children raced excitedly toward giant inflatable slides and bounce attractions while parents paused to greet neighbors and capture photographs before the carnival was even fully underway. Within minutes, the grounds were bustling as youngsters eagerly hurried from one attraction to the next.

What began seven years ago as a neighborhood carnival has grown into one of Queens’ premier Jewish family celebrations, drawing a record crowd this year. Held each year on the final Sunday in June to celebrate the close of the school year and the start of summer vacation, the carnival has become a cherished community tradition. For three unforgettable hours on June 28, the LCM Quad in Kew Gardens Hills was transformed into a vibrant celebration of Jewish community as Chazaq hosted its annual Community-Wide Children’s Jewish Cultural Carnival. Despite sleepaway camps already being in session and many families having left for the Catskills, this year’s carnival drew well over 2,000 attendees. It was difficult to find an empty corner of the LCM Quad as families continued arriving throughout the afternoon.

Presented by Chazaq in partnership with New York City Council Member James Gennaro and supported by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, the free event reflected Chazaq’s belief that strengthening Jewish identity extends well beyond the classroom. What truly set the carnival apart was that every attraction was offered free of charge. Made possible through the generosity of community partners and sponsors, families enjoyed carnival rides, giant inflatables, a petting zoo, live entertainment, science demonstrations, ice cream, and professionally printed family photographs – all without opening their wallets.

Keeping the energy high from the main stage was DJ Avraham, who guided the program and introduced the event’s speakers and performers. Welcoming everyone, Chazaq Operations Manager Robbie Aboff thanked the many organizations and individuals whose partnership helped make the event possible, including Council Member James Gennaro, the Queens Jewish Community Council, the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI), and Rabbi Doniel and Rebbetzin Phyllis Lander of the hosting venue.

By mid-afternoon, the carnival grounds were filled with families enjoying the festivities. The rides and attractions were selected to suit all ages, ranging from gentle options for toddlers to a child-sized Ferris wheel. Among the most popular attractions was Dr. Schnitzel’s Wacky Science, where hundreds of children gathered to watch a fast-paced comedy performance that turned lessons about gravity and balance into an engaging interactive show. Making its carnival debut, Matok Dessert Bar quickly became one of the afternoon’s busiest attractions, where children eagerly chose from a wide variety of complimentary ice cream flavors served in cups and cones. Throughout the afternoon, parents and children stopped at a complimentary photo station, where each family received a professionally printed keepsake photograph to take home. The program was further enhanced by a performance by the Atid Boys Choir, whose beautiful harmonies brought the rich musical traditions of the Bukharian Jewish community to the carnival stage under the direction of Maestro Izchak Haimov. Their performance highlighted not only the boys’ impressive vocal talent, but also the beauty of Bukharian Jewish heritage.

Throughout the event, volunteers from Queens Shmira maintained a highly visible presence, assisting families, monitoring the grounds, and helping ensure the celebration remained safe. As temperatures climbed, volunteers distributed 65 cases of bottled water – 1,560 bottles in total. As part of its commitment to community safety, Shmira also offered complimentary rear-seat reminder devices that plug into a vehicle’s power outlet and prompt drivers to check the back seat before leaving their cars. For Chazaq, the carnival reinforced the organization’s ongoing mission of strengthening Jewish families by creating positive experiences rooted in community, education, and Jewish pride.