Fingers are crossed for sunny skies on Sunday, Sept. 10, as the Mineola Street Fair will be taking place, spanning Jericho Turnpike between Willis Avenue and Mineola Boulevard.
The highly anticipated event, organized by the Mineola Chamber of Commerce, will feature local vendors, musical performances, carnival-style games and activities, pony rides, a petting zoo, food from nearby restaurants and overall fun for the whole family.
Last year’s event was canceled on both the actual date and rain date due to inclement weather, but the previous year was met with much success. Chamber members are confident that the annual fair will only continue to grow in size and scope, adding to its repertoire of involved restaurants, storefronts and businesses from Mineola and beyond each year.
“Our fair is much different from a lot of the other Long Island fairs,” said Tony Lubrano, chamber president and owner of Piccola Bussola at 159 Jericho Tpke. “Most of the other fairs are run by private companies that bring in outside vendors, making it more of a flea market feel. Ours is different in that our focus and our real reason for doing this is to promote the Village of Mineola and the businesses we have right here, though we do accept some outside vendors. We want to keep that hometown feel to it.”
So far, confirmed businesses that will have tables set up outside their storefronts include Piccola Bussola, Willis Hobbies, the Irish American Society, Churrasqueira Bairrada, Manny’s Sweet Treats and Ardito’s Italian American Deli.
“The big part of this is that it’s really Mineola-based, and that’s what we want to emphasize,” said Bill Greene, past chamber president and owner of Tsontos Furs at 224 Jericho Tpke. “It’s all about businesses promoting other businesses in the town and trying to get the public out to shop locally.”
There will be three stages of live entertainment, including performances by Portuguese dancers, Irish step dancers and the Mineola Choral Society.
The Mineola Fire Department is also an active participant in the day’s activities, bringing an antique fire truck display and educating attendees on proper fire safety. The Mineola Junior Fire Department is in charge of manning a dunk tank, in which people will have a chance to dunk Mayor Scott Strauss.
Interested vendors are encouraged to register as soon as possible. There is no charge for Mineola Chamber members and Mineola-based nonprofit organizations to participate. Those who are not members will be charged $100 and are required to complete a form, which can be found at www.mineolachamber.com.
The event, taking place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., is free of charge for all attendees, and residents from surrounding neighborhoods are welcome to attend as well.The rain date is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 1. Should the fair be postponed, information will be posted on the chamber website by 7 p.m. the night prior.
