Abstract expressionism, anyone? Children with chalks turned the Post Avenue surface into a riot of color. (Photos by Frank Rizzo)
Where else, in the space of a few blocks, could you try tasty treats, watch your children romp in “bouncy houses,” learn a bit about Westbury history, chat at leisure with former Mayor Ernest Strada, try on a piece of jewelry and pick up some knick knack for the house?
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At the annual Westbury Business Improvement District (BID) Street Fair, of course, where dozens of vendors and Post Avenue merchants offered their goods and services on Sept. 7.
The BID has traditionally held the fair the third week in October, and according to BID Executive Director Vanessa Esposito, “We decided to move the fair earlier as the weather was such a deterrent last year being so late in the season. I do think the day was a success as there were a record number of people who showed up, and that was wonderful as they got to meet many local organizations who attended the event.”
Esposito added, “I feel that the street fair is a way to bring outside public to the village and benefits all businesses as people will see their stores and hopefully come back and shop and eat locally, especially had they never been to Westbury. Myself and the board have been open to and listening to all feedback on this past event, and will make necessary changes to have the best possible events for both business owners and residents in the future.”
She concluded, “All in all, what we wanted to bring to Westbury was a fun family day to spend downtown and get to know us and the community and what it offers.”
Trying their luck at Islanders booth’s wheel were sisters Esmeralda, 9, and Natalie Salgado, 7. Both attend Drexel Avenue Elementary School in were there with their abuela (grandma) Margarita Amacende.
Davian Gibbs, 3, of Westbury poses for his mother Marlene. “I’m a firefighter!” he told his dad, Elwin. “They love it. It’s been busy all day,” said Westbury firefighter Rob Ciorciari.
Dylan Santamaria, 3, of Westbury, was happy to sit in the firetruck.
Denise Parilla, a trustee of the Historical Society of the Westburys, left, chats with Natalya Ukolova, a relatively new resident of Westbury.
Margo Cargill, left, a community liaison for the Long Island Rail Road Expansion Project, discusses the project with an interested resident.
Angelica Hernandez, 9, sat for a henna tattoo from Brandon Thomas of Nashville, TN. He said he travels with an amusement company.
This young lady found much amusement in the bouncy house, then used the attached slide.
Joseph Iannotti, 6, of Westbury, tries to shoot the ball through several holes and win a prize at the islanders’ booth.
The Westbury BID organized the successful event. Seated are BID Board of Directors President John Fitzpatrick and Executive Director Vanessa Esposito. Standing, from left, are Nassau County Legislator Laura Schaefer (R-Westbury), John Viscusi of the BID board and Village of Westbury Mayor Peter Cavallaro.
Post Avenue was closed for several blocks during the fair.
Diego Sanchez, 7, enjoys some time in the Metrocade. He attends Powells Lane Elementary School in Westbury.
Andrew Cawdrey of Floral Park is fascinated by the toy firetrucks. He had already received a helmet from the Westbury Fire Department after climbing into one of its firetrucks nearby.
The Westbury High School arts department left its mark on the street.
Woody and Vivian Robert of Westbury hope to open a shop on Post Avenue someday if their health products business takes off. Among their offerings were pig bristle toothbrushes, a range of ginger items and “healthy drinks.” Said Woody, “Everybody should go back to organics.”
The John Birch Society’s booth had plenty of reading material offering the society’s take on the political scene.
Melony, 2, of Westbury, is pleased to show off her dirty hands after drawing with chalks on Post Avenue.
Melony, 2, and Lionel, 3, are best friends from Westbury. They spend time using the pavement as a canvas for chalk drawings.
Politicians were out in force at the street fair. From left are Westbury Village Trustee William B. Wise, Westbury Village Mayor Peter Cavallaro, North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Town Clerk Wayne Wink and Westbury Village Trustee Vincent Abbatiello. (Contributed Photo)
The Westbury Senior Center had a booth at the fair to publicize the many programs it offers. Seated, from left: Dian Willoughby, “Cookie” and Mavis Atabey. Standing, from left: Stan Cohs, Assistant Director Andrea Padinha and Director Maureen Droge.
