Note: More media content is available for this story at BrooklynDaily.com.
By Colin Mixson
Brooklyn Daily
This year’s annual Family Day at Paerdegat Park shouldn’t have been missed — especially if you’re a fan of Senate Minority Leader John Sampson.
The park near the corner fo Foster Avenue and E. 40th Street was the scene of a number of races and attractions — and one blooper when Sampson decided to challenge Albany colleague Assemblyman Nick Perry to a race..
Park goers say that both men were doing well int eh 100-yard dash — until the 75-yard mark.
“Our senate minority leader fell!” said Yvette Barrow, President of Citizens for a Better Community, which organized the event. “John Sampson fell. Oh my god, he didn’t just fall, he tumbled and rolled — it was hilarious.”
The senator — who recently managed to walk away from a major car accident a few blocks from his home — may have been a little bruised after his spill, but was still in good spirits.
“I’m alright, I pulled a little muscle in my quad,” he explained when we called to check up on him. “I was winning.”
“Knowing Nick Perry, he probably called to talk about how I fell,” Sampson said.
But Sampson’s spill wasn’t the only thrill at the 11th annual Family Day.
Barrow said that attendees were in for a real treat when several kids showcased their skills during a talent show.
“This year we had the greatest talents,” “We have these girls and we’re waiting for them to get signed — they can sing! The kids broke the place down with talent.”
The event celebrates family unity and community appreciation, represents 14 blocks within East Flatbush, and is held in Paerdegat Park for one reason — so nobody gets jealous.
“Because we have 14 blocks joined together, that’s why we hold Family Day in the park,” explained Barrow. “If you used one block for the party, the other blocks would get upset.”
Reach reporter Colin MIxson at cmixson@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-4514.