Several hundred people turned out on Sunday, October 26, for the International Tea Festival organized by Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights), City Councilmember Susan Zhuang (D—Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend, Dyker Heights, Boro Park and Sunset Park) and Chinese American Social Services as part of Bensonhurst Community Day.

The festival, which was held on the stretch of 86^th Street between 25^th Avenue and Bay 40^th Street, featured the opportunity to taste tea from local purveyors, as well as a free food distribution and entertainment, including a performance of the Lion Dance, courtesy of the United Chinese Association. UA3 provided the food for distribution.

“We had a wonderful turnout for a truly wonderful occasion,” said Assemblyman Colton. “I was delighted to see so many area residents mingling and enjoying themselves. Events like this one are all about bringing people together, and I believe that we accomplished that. I’m already looking forward to next year’s festival, which I hope will be even bigger and more fun than this year’s.”

“This festival gave us all a chance to celebrate our community and all the cultures that make up this beautiful community," said Councilmember Zhuang. "I love representing this district because not only are we a melting pot, but we embrace every single culture and love to experience all traditions.”