Garden City will once again host the perennially popular Belmont Festival held in honor of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park, organizers announced today.

The Belmont Festival will take place on Friday, June 5 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on 7th Street in Garden City. This year's theme is "A Salute to America".

"We are thrilled to host the Belmont Festival at Garden City once again, and appreciate the continuing support of civic, business, community leaders and local residents," said Mary Dolan Grippo, chairwoman of the Garden City Belmont Festival. "This festival has become a great way for the community to celebrate one of the world's premier sporting events — the running of the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown."

Headlining the street festival is the United States Air Force Band of Liberty rock band Afterburner. Local high school bands are also expected to perform, in addition to street performers.

The family-friendly festival, sponsored by the Garden City Hotel, Village of Garden City, Garden City Chamber of Commerce, Coca Cola, the New York Lottery and the New York Racing Association (NYRA), also includes many activities for children such as clowns, face painters, the Belmont Park starting gate and Sammy the Bugler, who is renowned for his talented and spirited "Call to the Post" prior to start of each thoroughbred race.

Festival organizers are encouraging attendees this year to wear red, white and blue in salute of America.

Organizers say there is still room for entrants and participants in the festival, which will feature a street fair this year, without a parade. For more information, contact Mary Dolan Grippo at 516-571-4160 or mgrippo@nassauida.org.

The 141st running of the $1 million Belmont Stakes, the 11¼2-mile "Test of the Champion" and the oldest and final leg of the Tripe Crown for three-year-olds, will be held on Saturday, June 6 at historic Belmont Park. For more information about the Belmont Stakes, visit www.nyra.com or call 516-488-6000.