STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In an effort to boost Staten Island tourism and also highlight the borough's ethnic diversity, Borough President James P. Molinaro is joining with City Hall and others to present the first "St. George Waterfront Festival."



The free event will be held on Aug. 6 from 1 to 9 p.m.



"We hope to see the image of Staten Island improve for tourists," said Molinaro. "And it's another chance for people to have a good time without leaving Staten Island."



The festival, which will take place along the St. George esplanade next to the ferry terminal, will feature musical performances, historic re-enactments, local artist showcases and some Macy's Thanksgiving Parade balloons.



There will also be native foods from the array of immigrants who now call the Island home, as well as a pizza eating contest. Various vendors will also be hawking their wares.



Local volunteers will hand out fliers at the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in Manhattan throughout that day in order to encourage tourists to get off the ferry and spend some time on the Island once they make the crossing.



The Miss Staten Island and Miss Manhattan contestants from this year's Miss New York Pageant are also expected to attend, highlighting the connection between the two boroughs.



Island cultural institutions and others will also have tables at the event.



The event, which is being billed as "A Ferry Good Time," will end with a fireworks display over the St. George waterfront.



The event is being held in conjunction with NYC and Company, SI350 and the Staten Island Council on the Arts and Humanities. It is hoped that the event will also draw attention to the celebration of the Island's 350th anniversary this year.



Molinaro also hopes that borough residents will take part, including those who may not get to the North Shore very often.



"I feel confident that we will get a good turnout from the locals as well," he said.



