Sunday’s vibrant sunshine had Great Neck residents flocking to Middle Neck Road to enjoy food vendors’ specialties, carnival games, inflatable bouncers, face painting, music and classic cars at the 32nd annual United Capital Corporation AutoFest and Street Festival on Oct. 16.
“I feel that it was a great turnout this year,” said Scott Zimmerman, president of the Great Neck Chamber of Commerce and owner of Allure Salon and Spa on Middle Neck Road. “There was great weather. It definitely brought a lot of people out into the streets. People have been very receptive to the amount of cars and the vendors featured, and it’s been a great event.”
Three musical groups kept the crowd dancing in the streets all day long. Performers included a local band from Manhasset, the Meade Brothers; a singer of ’60s music, Nina Et Cetra; and a trio who performs music from all generations, Banjo Rascals. Performances by Katya’s School of Dance also entertained attendees.
Children enjoyed feeding animals at the petting zoo, pony rides, carnival games, inflatable bouncers, a giant slide and other rides. Face Painting by Paulette transformed children into butterflies, puppies and even Batman. Caricatures by Akbar reimagined festivalgoers’ faces as cartoons in just six minutes.
The fair brought an opportunity for the community to give back, too. A constant crowd surrounded a bakery table operated by Great Neck kids. The proceeds from the bake sale will be donated to the St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church food pantry.
The Great Neck Vigilant Fire Department not only gave away plastic firefighter hats, but also demonstrated CPR to families, so they could be prepared in emergencies.
This year’s festival featured classic BMW motorcycles and cars from the internationally acclaimed collection of Peter Nettesheim. The Long Island native is recognized as one of the world’s foremost classic BMW motorcycle experts, and often consults with BMW Germany.
Whether they were taking pictures of the classic cars that lined the streets, winning an emoji plush or snacking on a turkey leg, Great Neck residents had a blast at this year’s festival.
Read also “AutoFest to Feature Music, Fun and Classic Cars.”
