As summer dies down, plans for Covert Street fair rev up
Floral Park fared relatively well during the torrential rain that hit the village and surrounding areas earlier this week. “Drainage issues were at a minimum and we only lost one tree during the events,” reported Trustee Dominick A. Longobardi at the Board of Trustees meeting held on Tuesday, Aug. 16.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) works year-round to maintain the tree-lined streets that define the character of the village. Floral Park has more than 6,000 municipal trees. The village was named a Tree City in 1993 by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, the developers of this program. The village has consistently met the four required Tree City standards since 1993, which include the maintenance of a tree department, a village tree ordinance, a tree planting program and Arbor Day observances.
In keeping with Floral Park’s commitment to those standards, the DPW is working with the Floral Park Library director and board to replace a tree on the library’s property that was struck by lightning on Aug. 1, Trustee Kevin M. Fitzgerald reported at the meeting.
“Additional trees, of an ornamental nature, [may be planted] where the previous tree stood,” he said.
Separately, the DPW will once again play a role, along with the Floral Park Police and Fire Departments, in orchestrating the 17th annual Covert Avenue Street Fair, which is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 17, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is hosted by the Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce, which is a joint venture between Floral Park and Stewart Manor to unite the businesses that line the street.
As in years past, the blocks on Covert Avenue between Cisney and Tulip avenues will be closed off to traffic and transformed into a carnival-like atmosphere. Local businesses will set up tables and tents in front of their storefronts to showcase their merchandise, including many edible treats. In addition to merchandise, entertainment will be provided. Inflatable rides will be set up for children of all ages. And once again, the Stewart Manor and Floral Park Fire Departments will work together to promote fire safety. A mobile smoke house will be set up in front of the SMFD. Also returning this year is the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter.
While the focus is on local merchants, the Chamber invites outside vendors to participate. Applications are due by Sept. 3 and can be downloaded from the Chamber’s website: www.covertavechamber.com.
To help defray the cost to local businesses of hosting the event, the Chamber is offering raffle tickets for $1 each or $5 for a book of six. Raffles can be purchased at Sewanhaka Travel. The grand prize is three nights at Walt Disney World, complete with a pair of two-day park passes; second prize is a basket of cheer; and third prize is a $25 gift certificate to be redeemed at a Chamber member store.
“I urge everyone to come down and spend some time getting to know your local store owners and enjoy the day,” said Longobardi.
