NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Bob McManus, 71, a retired shipyard welder, and his friend, Suzanne Jones, a former Navy nurse, enjoyed the sights and sounds of Flagler Avenue's bustling Seaside Fiesta before heading to the tranquility of the beach and the rushing sound of the tide.
"There is nothing like this beach," said McManus, who retired a couple of years ago and bought a condo near the New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport. "It's the best kept secret -- it really is paradise here."
Back on the avenue, couples walked with their leashed dogs while young parents watched over their eager small children enjoying games and the carnival-like atmosphere.
City Commissioner Jack Grasty, a fixture at community events, said he was overwhelmed by the hospitality shown by merchants and the enthusiastic spirit of the crowds. He estimated the crowd at between 6,000 and 8,000 during the four-hour event that started at 5 p.m. New Smyrna Beach police and several merchants echoed those crowd estimates.
"What can I say," Grasty said, "other than everyone is well behaved and enjoying themselves. This is what New Smyrna Beach is all about; the families and community."
"What can I say," Grasty said, "other than everyone is well behaved and enjoying themselves. This is what New Smyrna Beach is all about; the families and community."
Erin Everidge, 28, of Edgewater, rested on the sidewalk curb while her 4-year-old son, Logan, soaked in the sights around him and passersby, including dogs and other small children.
"This is great for him," Everidge said, adding, "there is a lot here for families."
The event was sponsored by the Merchants of Flagler Avenue and the city of New Smyrna Beach with funding from the Community Redevelopment Agency and the Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority.
One of those merchants, Matt Clancy, a proprietor of the Clancy family-owned Clancy's Cantina on Flagler, was absolutely thrilled with the crowd. In fact, his restaurant had more people, inside and outside than any other establishment on the avenue.
"Everybody's having a ball," Clancy said. "We have all our great customers here."
One of those merchants, Matt Clancy, a proprietor of the Clancy family-owned Clancy's Cantina on Flagler, was absolutely thrilled with the crowd. In fact, his restaurant had more people, inside and outside than any other establishment on the avenue.
"Everybody's having a ball," Clancy said. "We have all our great customers here."
NSBNews.net videos by Sera Frederick and Henry Frederick / Video 2: Tribute to canines; Video 3: Interview with couple on the beach; Video 4: Walking the avenue and interview with parent Elizabeth Gifford; Video 5: Mom and baby dancing to Justin Bieber song; Video 6: Interviews with NSB Commissioner Jack Grasty and business owner Bob Garrigues; Video 7: Interview with parent Erin Everidge; Video 8: Scene outside Clancy's Cantina with live band; Video 9: Interview with Clancy's Cantina owner Matt Clancy; Video 10: Interview with T-shirt vendor.
NSBNews.net photos by Henry Frederick / Additional shots along the avenue.
Editor's Note: NSBNews.net will post another story on the business impact of the festival, along with additional photos.
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