Local Vendors, Entertainment Highlight Festivities
Once again temperatures were in the 90s on Sunday, July 18, but that didn’t thwart thousands of people from attending the eighth annual Hicksville Chamber of Commerce Street Fair. Well over 100 vendors were on hand with myriad articles for sale. The food was scrumptious and for those thinking about their weekly produce shopping, the Farmer’s Market was open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
All rides, thanks to our generous sponsors, were free to children and there were lines at each and every ride throughout the day. The ever-popular Brian Gregorius, also known as “The Balloon Man,” had children following him everywhere like the Pied Piper as he transformed his balloons into animals, swords, hats and all sorts of imagined creatures. Continuous entertainment on the two Showmobiles was provided by Mid-Life Crisis, MOTP, The Oogey Boogies, Dave Ice Productions, Martial Arts America, Hicksville Worship Group, The MagicShop and Game Street Party.
A regular attraction, and one that’s most popular, is the drawings of caricaturists Aron Laikin and Geraldine Hoylie. They captivated fair-goers with their artistry. What a great souvenir to bring home from the fair and, this too was free of charge thanks to our sponsors.
Free T-shirts were distributed by the Chamber to children 10 and under accompanied by an adult. Lots of children who had been to the fair previously came in their bathing suits all set for the water rides and more than one wore shirts from previous years. With free rides, free T-shirts, free balloons, free face painting it was Christmas in July for the family.
The presence of patrolmen from the 2nd Precinct helped to keep crowd control and ensure security as well. New York State Senator Craig Johnson, New York State Assemblyman Michael Montesano, Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker and Town Councilwoman Rebecca Alesia were there with staff talking to their constituents while enjoying the day’s festivities. They made themselves available most of the day for anyone wishing to speak to them about their concerns or to just stop by for a friendly “hello.” Attendees were also treated to a surprise visit from Senator Charles Schumer who mingled in the crowd shaking hands with those passing by.
Of course all of this was possible with the generosity of the 2010 sponsors: Platinum Sponsor: Optimum; Gold Sponsor: Vision Long Island; Silver Sponsor: American Dental Offices. Entertainment Sponsor: Astoria Federal Savings Bank. Ride Sponsors: Indus American Bank, New Faces Development, Vernon Wagner Funeral Homes. For those free T-Shirts – thanks to Allstate (Ratkewitch Agency), Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Homes, David Lerner Associates (Chris Mallon), MetLife, NY Prime Foods, Ridgewood Savings Bank and Roslyn Savings Bank. All of them are doing business in Hicksville and show their appreciation to the community by sponsoring this yearly event. Please show them your appreciation whenever and wherever possible.
The folks from New York Fun Factory were fabulous and certainly helped to make the day run smoothly. Thanks also to Sign-A-Rama, Team Hicksville, Winter Brothers Carting & AcuPlus Embroidery for their invaluable assistance. Can’t forget those wonderful Chamber members who were on hand helping in the sweltering heat: Charlie Montana (Montana Agency), Nick Brigand (Hicksville Water), Bill Foley, Beth Dalton (Dalton Funeral Homes), Pat Crowe (Vernon Wagner Funeral Homes), Joe Bater (Miracle Chiropractic), Philbert Robertson (Pre-Paid Legal) and Val Pakaluk (Hicksville Community Council).
Finally, thanks to these hard-working co-chairs of the Street Fair Committee: Sam Maruca (MetLife) and Stephanie Sokenis (Hicksville Chamber of Commerce), who once again made this all happen.
We’re planning for 2011 already so make sure to mark your calendars for next year and we’ll see you at the fair. Meanwhile, don’t forget to stop in at the Farmer’s Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Discover a wide assortment of fresh vegetables, fruit, juices and flowers, all from local farmers. For those who love pickles, The Pickle Man is there too!
If you would like to be included in next year’s sponsorships, please contact the Chamber at 931-7170 or check the website at hicksvillechamber.org.
