The Annual Fordham Road Fair went ahead despite what was a pretty rainy day on Saturday, Oct. 11. Held along East Fordham Road roughly between the Grand Concourse and Webster Avenue, it was hosted by the Fordham Road Business Improvement District (BID), which is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year.

 

District 15 Councilman Oswald Feliz told us, “Fordham Road is a vibrant community; so many hardworking people here and it’s very important that we have events like this one where we’re able to get the community together, enjoy a beautiful day like today. It’s raining but it’s still beautiful, enjoy together with the community, good food, good music, bouncy castles and different activities for the kids.”

 

He added, “This is a beautiful event… 20th anniversary of the Fordham BID who’s done such a great job, not only getting the community together but also making sure that they have the tools to remain vibrant. We’re so thankful for everything they do for this community.

 

We also spoke later with Albert Dalipi, deputy director for the BID, who said, “Rain or shine….we had a little bit of rain this morning but just a small hiccup and then people came out and it was a great turnout. We’re expecting around 10,000 people here so it’s good promotion for our businesses.”

 

He continued, “It’s good for the community here on Fordham Road. It’s like a carnival atmosphere. We have mini golf, we have inflatables, so we’re just happy to be here.” We asked if the brick and mortar businesses were maybe a little concerned the stalls might be taking business away from them.

 

Dalipi said, “No, they like that it’s a new experience for the district and it does attract more people to come through Fordham Road, though it does disrupt the traffic a bit.” He said the BID was proud to continue their work over 20 years and wanted to continue to do so.  The BID’s annual meeting will be held in October at the Bronx Zoo and there will be a holiday tree lighting event and toy drive later in the year.

 

Meanwhile, there were no injuries reported after a residential fire broke out in the Fordham Heights section of The Bronx the same day just a few hours before the Fordham Road Fair kicked off a few blocks away.

An FDNY spokesperson said the department received a 911 call for a report of fire/smoke on Saturday at 9.07 a.m. at 2441 Morris Avenue, a two-and-a-half story private dwelling (20 x 50) located between East 184th Street and East Fordham Road, not far from where the Fordham Road Fair took place.

 

The spokesperson said the fire was on the first floor and extended slightly to 2443 Morris Avenue, and was brought under control at 9.43 a.m.

When Norwood News visited the location on Saturday, NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) were on site, as was a representative for the building owner. The man, who declined to be identified, said the fire was not a major one, that the building was currently unoccupied, and that it is due to be demolished and repurposed / rebuilt.

 

Affixed to the green fence surrounding the building was a demolition permit dated Aug. 15, 2025. The building appeared in a state of disrepair. Asked if he knew how the fire started, the representative for the building owner said he did not, adding that the fire department brought it under control quickly. The cause is under investigation by fire marshals. Norwood News will share any updates we receive. Read more here.

A few blocks away inside St. James Park, City Council Member Pierina Sanchez (C.D. 14) was holding her annual Fall Festival, as reported in conjunction with other elected officials.