Brooklyn's Atlantic Antic Kicks Off

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The Brooklyn Atlantic Antic Street Festival has been happening for 38th years, and according to the Atlantic Antic website, it's the largest street festival in the city.

Festival attendee Shey Wolczak remembers the days when a camel used to grace the fair.

"Many years ago there was a camel, and the camelwas in a pen and you could get close enough to get spat on." she told 1010WINS' Sally Ann Mosey.

"Every year I beg [them] to bring the camel back, but they can't book the camels because they're already booked for this weekend." said Festival producer Karen Auster.

Who knew camels were in such high demand? Still plenty of other exciting happening with a dozen stages, food galore, and vendors selling everything from hair-weaves to waffles.

Among the festival's attractions, 91-year-old Eddie the Sheikh is one of the pioneers of the Atlantic Antic street festival, and he loves introducing the belly dancers. Auster says he's an institution here.

"Eddie has a contract for the next hundred years here." she said.

According to the Atlantic Ave website, applications for next year's Atlantic Antic will be available in June 2013.

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