Bronxites bid farewell to Summer 2022 at the Fordham Road Business Improvement District (BID) Annual Street Fair in Fordham Manor on Saturday, Oct. 8, after the event was postponed due to rain at the end of September. According to the Fordham Road BID’s website, the Street Fair is the largest street festival in The Bronx.

 

The Fordham Road BID is a non-profit founded in 2005 with the aim of fostering promoting and growing local businesses. Held along East Fordham Road, between the Grand Concourse and East Kingsbridge Road, the daylong event featured concession stands featuring food from local restaurants, as well as free rides, carnival games, and music for the young and not so young.

 

From the @FordhamRoadNYC BID, to the @bronxbp, neighboring CM @PiSanchezNYC, and @NYPD52Pct, these young workers have a great team on their side! pic.twitter.com/eP57mFuVdL

— Oswald Feliz (@OswaldFeliz) October 18, 2022

 

Members of the 52^nd Precinct’s NYPD Explorers program were on hand on the day recruiting youngsters aged between 14 and 21 for its volunteer program.

 

The busy business corridor saw substantial damage to several stores during the protests in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd in early June 2020, along with some closures amid the pandemic.

 

In early August, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson joined NYC Small Business Services commissioner, Kevin Kim, Fordham Road BID executive director, Wilma Alonso, and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation team, on a walk through the district. Gibson later said, “We remain committed to enhancing public safety and supporting our small businesses.”

One day prior to the fair, under more glorious sunshine, on Friday, Oct 7, Fordham Plaza was awash with excitement as NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment sponsored the “Broadway in the Boros,” outdoor event, with performances from renowned shows, “Wicked,” “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” and “Kinky Boots.”

Thank you for having me and for bringing this amazing event to the Boogie Down. #bwayintheboros https://t.co/vsRXGLRMoD

— Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson (@bronxbp) October 7, 2022

Meanwhile, Fordham Road shoppers have more to look forward to with the grand opening of a new, 21,000 square-foot Target store at 215 East Road on Sunday, Oct. 23. Store hours will be Sunday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with 100 employees already lined up to cater to customers.

 

Merchandise and features include a wide assortment of Target’s top-owned and national brands spanning across essentials, home goods, grocery, beauty and much more, order pick-up and same-day delivery with Shipt and a CVS pharmacy.

 

The community is invited to join Target at Fordham Plaza, a five-minute walk from the new store, on Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for its grand opening event.

The Fordham Road BID is excited to announce the opening of @Target on 215 E. Fordham Rd.

Following a fantastic grand opening ceremony joined by our BID team, elected officials, business leaders, community partners & the NYPD, Target has officially opened its doors to the public. pic.twitter.com/1E8qVv9sIi

— Fordham Road NYC (@FordhamRoadNYC) October 20, 2022

Shoppers can meet Target’s mascot, Bobblehead Bullseye, check out a localized 3D word-sculpture installation, enjoy live performances and music from local artists, including DJ Stephcakes, and receive free gifts, food vouchers to use during the event, round-trip MTA cards, coupons and more.

Jonathan Baldera, store director of the new Bronx Fordham Road Target store, said, “We’re excited to bring the joy of Target to new guests and help them discover a unique shopping experience tailored to the needs of the Bronx community.”

 

 

He added, “We offer a wide assortment of Target’s top owned and national brands spanning across essentials, home goods, grocery, beauty and much more, as well as a convenient CVS pharmacy. Guests can also shop on their own terms with our easy, contactless and industry-leading Order Pickup, and same-day delivery with Shipt services – ready within a couple of hours with no membership required for the easiest shopping experience in retail.”

*Síle Moloney contributed to this story.