The Sutton Place Parks Conservancy celebration took place on July 12. Attended by over 400 neighbors along with several city elected representatives (the office of Brad Lander, NYC Comptroller; Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President; Alex Bores NYS Assembly Member - District 73; and several members of Community Board 6), the event offered a tranquil evening filled with music, relaxation, and community spirit.
The Sutton Sunset Celebration celebrates Manhattanhenge, when the setting sun aligns with the east to west street grid of midtown Manhattan. Leveraging the park's prime location, with one of its entrances conveniently situated at East 57th Street, visitors enjoyed a pleasant evening in anticipation of the awe-inspiring sunset. The Sutton Sunset Celebration marked another exciting milestone since the Conservancy initiated its series of free community events in the park.
Figure 1: Sunset enthusiasts gather at East 57th Sutton Parks entrance for best sunset photo of the year. Photo Credit: Mariana Otalora ( IG @marianaotalora_photography) and PhotoUno Photography School (IG @photouno)
This year's Sutton Sunset Celebration featured an array of engaging activities that delighted participants. In collaboration with PhotoUno, a popular midtown-based photography school, the Conservancy provided expert photo tips to aspiring photographers, enabling them to capture breathtaking images of the sunset in all its glory.
Figure 2 Borough President Mark Levine learns best sunset photo settings on his phone from PhotoUno owner, Patricia Burmicky. Photo Credit: Mariana Otalora ( IG @marianaotalora_photography) and PhotoUno Photography School (IG @photouno)
Attendees had the opportunity to partake in complimentary yoga sessions and sun salutation poses offered by Complete Body. The serene atmosphere of Sutton Place Parks provided the perfect backdrop for finding inner peace and tranquility.
Figure 3: Complete Body Midtown East leads yoga and sun salutations in Sutton Parks at East 56th St. Photo Credit: Mariana Otalora ( IG @marianaotalora_photography) and PhotoUno Photography School (IG @photouno)
The Midtown String Ensemble, featuring a cello and violin, enhanced the tranquil ambiance of the evening with an assortment of music, including a repertoire of sun-themed songs. The evening culminated with a heartfelt rendition of the beloved Beatles classic, "Here Comes the Sun," just before the anticipated 8:28PM sunset.
Figure 4: Midtown Strings Ensemble Cellist Allison Seidner entertains attendees enjoying the Sunset Celebration, some with a picnic. Photo Credit: Mariana Otalora ( IG @marianaotalora_photography) and PhotoUno Photography School (IG @photouno)
Adding to the festive spirit, the iconic boar statue, known as the Porcellino, delighted visitors of all ages as it donned a sun god’s attire. Attendees who correctly guessed the sun god's name received a free treat with multiple acceptable answers for sun god welcomed.
Figure 5: The boar of Sutton Place Parks at East 57th Street takes center stage in sun god regalia. Photo Credit: Mariana Otalora ( IG @marianaotalora_photography) and PhotoUno Photography School (IG @photouno)
Several special treats for both mind and body were also on hand. For the body, Relax with Diane provided free chair massages, offering attendees a moment of relaxation and relief amidst the event's energy. A la mode’s popular ice cream truck was a main attraction and a most welcome addition to the Sunset Celebration given the evening’s high temperatures. And Midtown East’s Republic Bank welcomed visitors with its popular free doggie treats and characteristic red lollipops.
The Sutton Place Parks Conservancy extends its gratitude to all the attendees, volunteers, and partners who contributed to making this event a grand success. For more information and updates on future events, please visit www.suttonplacepark.org