Throughout this pandemic and socially distant world that we live in, we have been sad that we’d probably have to wait until 2021 to return to the island. No, this isn’t some Survivor reference or tropical vacation, we are talking about one of our favorite post-summer events that helps ease us into the fall. The event is called Pig Island!
While most summers are filled with BBQs and meats, this one has lacked which is why we’re especially pumped for this year’s installment. The biggest change is the borough. While we loved traveling by water to what truly felt like an island in Red Hook, Brooklyn we must adapt and visit the lesser talked about borough and truly an island – Staten Island!
Pig Island NYC is returning for the 11th year – with all the great food and beverage they always have with some safety guidelines to fit the world we’re living in. Pig Island is going down at a new and extremely spacious location: Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, an historic 83-acre campus with dynamic programming in the arts, agriculture, horticulture, and education – plus plenty of parking.
In addition to having more space, they’re also going to limit the number of guests at the event. Once inside, there will be three separate areas to enjoy food and drink, allowing for greater social distancing. Hand sanitizing and hand washing stations will be accessible throughout the event. Guests will be required to wear masks when they are walking around and getting food but can take off their masks when they sit down to eat with their group of friends and family members.
Food stations will be spaced out and if there are lines people will stay 6 feet apart. When you’ve gotten your food and are ready to eat – everyone can bring their own blankets to spread out and enjoy a beautiful day outside. Plus, wristbands will allow guests to wander Snug Harbor’s grounds and re-enter when they want to.
The festival will be a low-risk outdoor recreational activity. It’s an all-inclusive picnic featuring barbecue all-stars like Tank Jackson of Charleston’s Holy City Hogs, Trevor Kunk of The Little Beet, Mario Chape of Big Papa Smokem, Jase Franklyn of Jase BBQ, and Mike Lapi, a chef, farmer, and butchering instructor at SUNY Cobleskill. We’ll also have beer from Staten Island’s Flagship Brewery, cider, spirits and delicious side dishes like Geechie Boy grits with shrimp.
It’s a top event for us and we know you’ll love it too. For more information and tickets, visit pigisland.com.