Playland's Thrilling Plans For Juneteenth And Father's Day

RYE, NY — There is a lot going on this weekend, but just remember, when you give your dad the gift of Playland for Father's Day, it's a gift you get to enjoy every bit as much as the old man.

Playland has also announced that it will be hosting a special Juneteenth celebration on June 19. The amusement park, which is typically closed on Mondays, will be welcoming guests to enjoy festive performances that will be free to all on Juneteenth.

In honor of Father’s Day on June 18, Playland will be offering free family photos to all dads from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by Aviva Maller Photography with portraits available on the beach or in the park.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Bokandeye African American Dance Theater this year to honor Juneteenth," General Manager Jeff Davis said. "The locally based dance group has been a leading cultural performance organization in the Greater New York area for decades with an amazing mission to uplift the spirit and create a positive sense of unity, community, and togetherness. We also are celebrating all dads at Playland this year with fun and free family portraits on our picturesque beach or park to create lasting memories for all."

On June 19, the Bokandeye African American Dance Theater drummers will kick off a parade at 4 p.m. from the Fountain Plaza, followed by a West African dance circle, welcoming visitors to join in. The dance and drum circle, also known as "Bantaba," will be followed by the Children’s West African Dance Workshop from 5 p.m. - 5:45 p.m., where young dancers will be able to learn movements from a traditional West African dance called "Fanga." After the children’s workshop, Bokandeye will parade down to Playland’s main stage where kids who participated in the workshop will be encouraged to perform "Fanga" with the group as the opening for Bokandeye’s live professional performance from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

"We are honored and proud to be an integral part of Playland’s First Annual Juneteenth Celebration," Anthony Wooden, Founder/Artistic Director of Bokandeye African American Dance Theater, said. "We acknowledge and appreciate Playland’s unending determination to celebrate and promote diversity. We truly believe that we are all one family, united by Mother Africa."

Starting at 7:15 p.m., guests will be treated to the sights and sounds of Motown. Families can then end the festive day with the "Fireworks at Playland," at 9 p.m.

In addition to the Juneteenth celebrations and the amusement park being open from noon to 8 p.m., Playland Beach and Pool will also be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Visitors will also be able to experience the new installation, "Play!Verse – An Immersive Adventure," featuring "worldly environments, fantastic creatures, eye-popping optical illusions, immersive cascades of light color and sound, and even a gateway into infinity." According to Playland, Play! Verse includes different thematic rooms with LED light shows, interactive infinity mirror tricks, and more, creating a multi-sensory and dynamic photo ops for all.

For more information, visit the Playland website.