Staten Island’s Beach Picnic Sands in Midland

Midland Beach picnicked last night with Staten Island’s Beach Blanket Bash, spreading NYC’s spring. Host Lena Carter slung lemonade as 200 lounged, a $5 snack fest by the waves. It’s borough chill—free entry, pure SI vibe. A kid built a castle; a pro napped hard. ‘Staten sands—this is it,’ Carter says, pouring cups. The shore turned feast.

The bash’s new—April 3’s kickoff, it tripled since RSVPs, packing blankets by 2 p.m. Carter’s a St. George mixer; last night’s crowd hit max—coolers hummed. A latecomer nabbed a spot; gulls swooped—NYC grit glowed. Sandwiches sold—$3 fueled hands. #SIBlanket trended; Bronx wants a towel.

Some griped—’Too windy,’ sniped a newbie, dodging sand. Trash blew—cans rolled; swept quick. A rival’s pitching a Tottenville spread, splitting spreads. Still, 300 stayed—beach reigned. Midland’s never chilled so bold.

Carter’s teasing a monthly run, maybe a bonfire if spring bites. ‘NYC’s shore—this spreads it,’ she says, packing jugs. The bash’s a Staten win—grit meets glee. It’s a sand soirée; catch the next. Bring a sheet—waves call.