Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. has released the official calendar of events for Bronx Week 2009, a weeklong celebration of the best of the Bronx, which features activities across the borough paying tribute to the progress and success of Bronx people, businesses, educational and cultural institutions and civic groups.
"It is my pleasure to invite New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy the 2009 Bronx Week celebration, nine days of great events and activities that culminate on June 20th with a parade, a festival, a concert and celebrity inductions to the Bronx Walk of Fame," said Borough President Diaz, Jr. "Bronx pride is back, and Bronx Week is the ideal time to celebrate our wonderful home. I invite everyone to plan now to be part of the fun."
Official Bronx Week events are free to the public thanks to the generosity of our corporate sponsors: Montefiore Medical Center and Health Plus, in conjunction with Verizon.
Supporting sponsors are: Citi, Con Edison, Affinity Health Plan, News 12-The Bronx, Bronxnet, VIM and Bronx Design Group.

Bronx Week 2009 Kick Off Press Conference
Join Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr as he kicks off Bronx Week 2009 and announces the start of events taking place across the borough over the next nine days, including the Bronx Walk of Fame inductions, trolley tours and artist exhibits, a business expo, New York's largest outdoor Simon Says competition, environmental and health events, musical performances and more. Joining the Borough President will be Bronxite Michael Proietti, a finalist in the reality series The Next Food Network Star, offering samples of the culinary skills that got him this far in the national competition.
Location: On the steps of the Bronx County Building
Address: Grand Concourse and 161st Street
Time: 11:00 am
Admission: Free
Contact: 718-590-2502 or visit www.bronxweekevents.com

11th Annual Bronx Bankers Breakfast
The Office of Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., the Business Initiative Corporation of New York (BIC) and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC) host the largest annual networking event of its kind in Bronx County. Over 400 of the city's bankers, lenders, and financial institutions will get together to talk business.
Location: Marina Del Rey
Address: 1 Marina Drive
Time: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Admission: $50.00 in advance/ $60.00 at the door. Contact: (718) 590-4588

Bronx Day at the Garden
Bring your picnic and enjoy a day of musical entertainment and children's activities. Free admission to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, the Everett Children's Adventure Garden, the Rock Garden and tram tours. Free health screenings, as well as health and social service information.
Location: New York Botanical Garden - Clay Family Picnic Pavilion
Address: 200th Street and Kazimiroff Boulevard
Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Admission: Free, but advance tickets are required for admission. To receive free tickets, send a self addressed stamped envelope with number of tickets requested (6 maximum) to: Elizabeth Figueroa, Director of Community Relations, The New York Botanical Garden, 200th Street & Kazimiroff Blvd., Bronx, NY 10458
Information: 718-817-8990 or visit www.nybg.org

Hutchinson River Restoration Project Clean-Up
Borough President Diaz invites all Bronxites to roll up their sleeves and join the members of the Hutchinson River Restoration Project as they celebrate Environmental Day in the Bronx by cleaning up the banks of the river. They'll cover the area from Rodman's Neck to Turtle Cove. Just bring your love of the Bronx; supplies will be provided.
Location: Rodman's Neck Parking Lot
TIME: 9:00 am
Admission: Free
Contact: 718-885-9653, email: Hutchinrrp@aol.com or visit www.cwed.org or www.bronxweekevents.com

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Grant Announcement
Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. announces the Start Strong Program, a domestic abuse awareness program funded by a $1 million grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in partnership with the Family Violence Prevention Fund and Blue Shield of California Foundation. Also, Pregones Theater performs a short skit of the original play, Texting for Life, created especially for teens.
Location: Middle School 331, Bronx School of Science Inquiry and Investigation
Address: 40 West Tremont Avenue
Tim: 11:00 am
Admission: Free
Contact: 718-537-3405 or visit www.bronxweekevents.com

The Bronx's Largest Simon Says Contest
It's fun for everyone as the famous Mr. Steve Max hosts the Bronx's largest game of Simon Says ever held in the Bronx! Parents and children of all ages welcome. Kids will also enjoy fun crafts and giveaways. Prizes for the winners.
Location: Police Athletic League
Address: Fox Street between Intervale and Longwood Avenues. Rain or shine; event moves indoors if necessary.
Time: 4:30pm
Admission: Free
Contact: 718-590-6012 or visit www.bronxweekevents.com

The 7th Annual DIVA Spa
This annual Domestic Violence Awareness Day Spa celebrates New Yorkers while providing vital information on domestic violence prevention and services available. Free manicures, facials, makeovers and massages throughout the day.
Location: The Bronx County Building
Address: 851 Grand Concourse, in the Rotunda
Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Admission: Free
Contact: 718-537-5268 or visit www.bronxweekevents.com

Bronx Trolley Tour
Take a trip down memory lane as Bronx historian Lloyd Ultan takes you on a narrated tour to some of the borough's historic landmarks, waterfront, and museums as well as new developments; featuring a special focus on the borough's most famous boulevard, the Grand Concourse, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
Location: Meet at the Bronx County Building
Address: 851 Grand Concourse and East 161st Street
Time: First Tour - 9:30 am Second Tour - 1:30 pm
Admission: Free, but reservations recommended.
Contact: 718-590-3047 or visit www.bronxweekevents.com
06.17.2009
Music on the Concourse - Lunchtime performances on the steps of the Bronx County building
Lincoln Center presents Jose Conde and his dynamic band La Ola Fresca at the civic center of the Bronx for a 2-hour lunchtime performance on the steps of the Bronx County Building. This program is part of on-going community outreach initiatives Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts has funded in the Bronx.
Location: On the Steps of the Bronx County Building
Address: 851 Grand Concourse at East 161st Street
Time: 12 noon to 2pm
Admission: Free
Contact: 718-590-4412 or visit www.bronxweekevents.com

"Bronx Studies" Featuring the Works of Urban Landscaper Valeri Larko
Join Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. for the exhibit opening and artist reception for "Bronx Studies", works by painter of Urban Landscapes, Valeri Larko. Her ongoing fascination with urban culture's collision with nature is reflected in her unique artwork. Don't miss this exhibit with all her amazing Bronx pieces.
Location: Borough President's Gallery
Address: 851 Grand Concourse, Room 301
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Admission: Free
Contact: 718-590-2502 or visit www.bronxweekevents.com

Pelham Bay Bridge Centennial Celebration
Join Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz, Jr., NYC Bridge Centennial Commission President, Sam Schwartz, Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner, Adrian Benepe, and other officials as they lead a procession with marching band, a Clydesdale horse and a horse drawn carriage over the Pelham Bay Bridge in celebration of its 100th anniversary.
Location: Pelham Bay Bridge
Address: Shore Road between City Island Avenue and Crimi Road
Time: 12:00 Noon
Admission: Free
Contact: 718-590-3522

Bronx Week Business Opportunities Expo presented by SOBRO & BOEDC
An annual exposition showcasing a great diversity of products and services by and for Bronx businesses. Guests will discover new resources and revenue opportunities while making great contacts. Exhibitors will raise awareness of their businesses among the borough's top business leaders in a dynamic environment.
Location: Bronx Museum of the Arts
Address: 1040 Grand Concourse - at 165th Street
Time: 11am to 3pm
Admission: Free, but registration requested
Contact: 718-590-6415 or visit www.bronxweekevents.com

Bronx Health Link's Annual Health Fair
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and Bronx Health Link present free health screenings, wellness information, educational services and community resources at one of the borough's largest health fairs. Get valuable information for you and your family from Bronx organizations and health educators. Hear from experts on tips to keep your kids active and healthy during the summer months or speak to a nutritionist one-on-one.
Location: The Bronx County Building
Address: 851 Grand Concourse, Veteran's Memorial Hall
Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Admission: Free
Contact: 718-590-2648 or visit www.bronxweekevents.com

The Bronx Ball
The Bronx Tourism Council hosts the annual social event of the year--it's much-anticipated fundraiser gala, The Bronx Ball. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr leads a welcome home tribute to Bronx-born celebrities on the eve of their induction to the Bronx Walk of Fame. See you on the red carpet!
Location: The Great Hall at Yankee Stadium
Address: 161st Street and River Avenue
Time: 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Admission: Please call for additional information
Contact: 718-590-2502 or visit www.bronxweekevents.com

The 2009 Bronx Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony
Hundreds of Bronxites join Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. as he unveils street signs for the 2009 inductees to the Bronx Walk of Fame. This year's honorees are composer Charlie Fox; Actress Judy Reyes; Grammy winning artist Melissa Manchester and legendary singer Tony Orlando, once a resident of Featherbed Lane and this year's Honorary Bronxite.
Location: 161st Street & Grand Concourse
Address: 851 Grand Concourse
Time: 11am
Admission: Free
Contact: (718) 590.3949 or visit www.bronxweekevents.com
06.20.2009
New York Arm Wrestling Association presents Strong Arm Tactics Championships 2009
All are invited to watch the competition or flex their muscles at the 26th Annual "Bronxboro" Golden Arm Wrestling Championships with categories for amateurs and pros. There are up to twelve weight classes with right and left hand categories for men and women, including a master class for men 45+ years of age. The "Bronx Strongest Arm" male and female winners will be crowned.
Location: Mosholu Parkway South (between Van Cortlandt Ave. East and Bainbridge Avenue)
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Admission: Contestants should register and weigh in early. A free entry and admission will be provided for everyone in commemoration of the Grand Concourse Centennial Celebration.
Contact: 718-590-3522 or visit www.bronxweekevents.com
06.20.2009
The 2009 Bronx Day Parade
Don't miss the fun when bands, floats and thousands of marchers make their way up Mosholu Parkway celebrating their Bronx pride.
The 2009 Bronx Week Parade kicks off at 12noon and is led by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and the 2009 Bronx Walk of Fame inductees atop their very own float. Catch all the action from the reviewing stand at Van Cortlandt Avenue East.
Location: Mosholu Parkway North & Kazimiroff Boulevard
Time: 12 noon
Admission: Free
Contact: (718) 590.3522 or visit www.bronxweekevents.com

Bronx Week Food & Arts Festival
A treat for the senses, this popular festival features top Bronx restaurants and artisans. Experience culinary treats from Thai cuisine to soul food, authentic Mexican dishes to rich Italian cooking, and satisfy any craving. This event is produced in association with the Bronx Council on the Arts.
Location: Mosholu Parkway North & Van Cortlandt Avenue
Time: 1 pm
Admission: Free
Contact: (718) 590.3989 or visit www.bronxweekevents.com
06.20.2009
The Bronx Week Concert
Bronx cultural diversity takes center stage at the annual Bronx Week Concert. Enjoy some of the Bronx's most popular groups and dance to the sounds of merengue, salsa, steel drums and much more. Featuring Afro-Cuban Jazz by the famous Machito Orchestra, singer Donnie Klang of MTV's hit reality show "Making the Band" and R&B singing sensations The Manhattans.
Location: Mosholu Parkway North & Bainbridge Avenue
Time: 1:30 pm
Admission: Free
Contact: (718) 590.2766 or visit www.bronxweekevents.com
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