Looking for unique jewelry, clothing or gift items? They will have it. Enjoyable entertainment, children’s activities and fun food trucks? They’re coming.
And so much more will be found at the Plainview-Old Bethpage (POB) Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival this Sunday, Oct. 6. This fun-for-the-whole-family day kicks off at 10 a.m. in the POB Library parking lot and runs until 5 p.m.
“More is more at this year’s festival,” event chairman Ned Marzigliano said.
In his second year as ringmaster, Marzigliano and co-chair Ben Alssid, along with their dedicated committee, have worked tirelessly to create the chamber’s best festival yet.
“More free inflatables and hands-on activities for the kids, thanks to sponsors Crestwood Country Day Camp and the Mid-Island Y JCC,” said Marzigliano. “More diverse, hand-crafted merchandise and more food choices will set the stage.”
Speaking of the stage, the Town of Oyster Bay Show Mobile will be the place to catch non-stop entertainment throughout the day. Local dance studios, the talented a capella students from POB JFK High School and other performers will have the crowds cheering again this year.
(Photo by Alex M. Wolff Photography)
Excited for its eighth annual event, volunteers from the chamber will be doling out free t-shirts, featuring festival sponsors—the backbone of this community undertaking—at its booth on the library’s west side. Anchoring the festival again this year is platinum sponsor TD Bank, along with a newcomer in the Law Offices of Elan Wurtzel, P.C. Both businesses have a long and loyal history with the chamber and are delighted to be able to support the festival as platinum presenting sponsors.
“I’m looking forward to having my own booth this year to promote my personal injury practice and the good work the chamber does for its members and the community,” said Wurtzel, former president of the chamber and an active board member. “It’s going to be a great day and I hope to see new and old friends at the festival.”
Co-chair Ben Alssid will be orchestrating the very active chamber booth. Festival goers will be beckoned to the prize wheel, the assortment of exciting raffle prizes and the grand prize, a large, high-definition TV. A table lined with raffle baskets, each filled with gift cards and items valued at $200 or more, will bring smiles to the lucky winners, as will its good cause.
All proceeds of raffle ticket sales will go to the chamber’s current local charity partner, The Garrett Kassler Memorial Fund. Started by a Plainview family, the organization is dedicated to facilitating support, treatment, resources and awareness for those struggling with addiction, as well as their families who are deeply affected.
After all the fun at the chamber booth, strolling attendees will be greeted by booth after booth of vendors offering a diverse array of beautiful handmade goods including jewelry, wood carvings, candles and other gift items. Unique clothing and handbag vendors will lure people in as they make their way to the show mobile to admire many of POB’s talented entertainers. Festival promoter Rachel Frislid of Preferred Promotions returns again to bring some of Long Island’s best crafters to the lot.
“Last year’s vendors reported brisk sales and they are excited for this Sunday, as are some new sellers who are looking forward to participating in this expanding event,” Frislid said.
Among the many people the Chamber thanks for contributing to this year’s festival is POB Library director Gretchen Browne and her staff, who have provided the event’s home for the past eight years. Chamber President Andrew Lamkin thanks them on behalf of the entire chamber membership.
“It takes a village of dedicated individuals to arrange this wonderful day in our town,” Lamkin said. “We are grateful for working, living and playing in the close-knit community of Plainview-Old Bethpage. We hope you enjoy the festival.”
Barbara Mars is a Plainview resident and the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce Administrator
