On a loud, vibrant Saturday night, kids ran amok and parents gathered around rides as the Our Lady of Mercy Family Carnival commenced. From live entertainment to a wide variety of food, drinks and games, the carnival attracts hundreds of families a year from all over Hicksville. Residents waited patiently in line for various rides, snacks and beverages, while the performers of the night, The Dukers, performed a plethora of classic swing music, as well as music from the 50s and 60s.
Upon further exploration, many activities for younger children could be found near the back end of the parish, which included pony rides, a petting and feeding zoo, carnival games and rides and other fun activities. There was something for everyone.
“It’s a good fair,” said Bart Grossjung, a long time resident of Hicksville. He and wife, Peggy, have been coming to the Our Lady of Mercy Carnival for many years, and have found it really draws a great crowd for the five-day fair. “It’s very family oriented, and gets a lot of people here,” Peggy added.
While friends and family were abound and plenty, familiar faces made appearances as well. Cruising around the fair was former pastor Father Blyman, stopping to take pictures and converse with volunteers and parishioners alike.
“At this fair, you’re bound to see someone you know,” said Hicksville resident Anthony Labriola. “It happens every year, and everyone from Hicksville knows this fair.”
Teenagers especially came out on Saturday night, seeing friends from the local high schools come together to have a fun, safe night. Although there was an abundance of security, including a mandatory bag check, it proved necessary for the open drink policy between the booths, as well as a casino within the auditorium of the school. Security was added for the past the years, and has allowed the carnival to be even more accessible to families.
As the night came to an end, it was evident residents would be returning to the fair either the following night or next year. It has become a staple of Hicksville, and is a most anticipated event every year. While not much changes in regards to the fair’s array of kid and parent-friendly rides and games, the tradition of the fair brings forth dozens of eager residents together in a positive, communal experience.
