Rain or Shine, Beach Party in Central Park June 21, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

(Long Island, N.Y.) Celebrate the first day of summer (in rain or in the sun) at a beach party in Central Park.  On June 21, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., New Yorkers can expect a geological phenomenal of epic proportions when an artificial Tel Aviv Beach will be set up in NYC’s Central Park as part of the celebrations for Tel Aviv’s 100th anniversary.

New York, the city that has almost everything, will get a taste of one of the only attractions it lacks (a beach) when it is transformed into an authentic Mediterranean beachfront.

Located at the Naumburg Bandshell from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Tel Aviv Beach Party will feature free beach games, tanning spots, and a rock concert. A 1,300 square foot sand section with chairs and parasols will give sunbathing fans the most unique beach experience in Central Park history.

“To understand Tel Aviv, you need to experience its sun, beaches, and vibrant music scene,” says David Saranga, Israeli Consul for Media and Public Affairs in New York. “The thousands of diverse New Yorkers that flock to Central Park each weekend give it the feel of a Tel Aviv beach. We’re just adding the sand and music to make the image complete.”

The impressive roster of Israeli musicians includes: leading radio personality and DJ Hadar Marks, reggae band Hatikva 6, and rock band Flow. Visitors will also enjoy playing Matkot (beach paddle ball) and Shesh-Besh (backgammon), both of which are classic beach games in Tel Aviv.

In addition to live music and entertainment, visitors will be able to get information about Tel Aviv’s hotspots, tourism attractions, and vibrant night life. El Al, Israel’s leading airline and official partner of the Tel Aviv Beach Party, will be offering special deals for reservations made that day in Central Park.

The Tel Aviv Beach Party is a joint venture of the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consulate General of Israel in New York, Israel Ministry of Tourism, Israel Government Tourist Office in New York, and the Tel Aviv-Yafo Centennial Administration.

The event will be streamed live throughout June 21, 2009 on isrealli.org.

For further information visit http://www.centralpark.com/events.php?ds=2009-06-21