Oyster Bay had not one, but two street fairs on Sunday, May 18, celebrating the written and visual arts with thousands of attendees between the two.
While the Gold Coast Book Fair took over Audrey Avenue with author discussions, book signings and booths lining the sidewalks, the Town of Oyster Bay held an Art in the Park celebration at Theodore Roosevelt Park. Together, the two fairs drew thousands to the downtown area for a day filled with art and entertainment.
The Gold Coast Book Fair
The Gold Coast Book Fair returned this year for its second annual book festival, drawing crowds of thousands. Although the weekend was filled with author talks and book signings—including Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow—thousands came to Audrey Avenue in downtown Oyster Bay on Sunday, May 18, for a street fair.
“Once again, thousands of people came to Oyster Bay over three days to meet major authors, discuss books and literature, and celebrate Long Island’s unique literary traditions,” said Steve Israel, former congressman and owner of Oyster Bay’s independent bookstore Theodore’s Books.
Israel formed the book festival last year in hopes of bringing bestselling authors to local residents.
Long Island authors came to speak about their new releases, including Art Shamsky, a 1969 World Series champion from the “Miracle Mets” team. Shamsky visited Audrey Avenue to speak about his new release, “Mets Stories I Only Tell My Friends,” sharing anecdotes from his experience on the Major League Baseball team and signing personalized copies for attendees.
Felice Zaslow, attending with the Long Island Authors Group, brought copies of her book “From Here: Lessons in Love & Loss from 9/11,” which was published in 2022 and chronicles her experience after losing her husband in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. She said said the Long Island writing organization promotes nearby writers through events and workshops.
But adults weren’t the only ones to enjoy the book-themed festivities. With a children’s corner of books and activities, kids had just as much to benefit from throughout the day.
Stephanie Sage said she wrote her book, “Dyani the Super Swimmer,” for fun after her daughter started taking swimming lessons. After she completed it, Sage said she realized that other kids might be able to relate and looked into publishing it.
Art in the Park
Originally scheduled for Saturday, May 17, the town’s Art in the Park festival took to Theodore Roosevelt Park on Sunday, May 18, with over 90 vendors and hundreds of attendees.
Local artists and artisans displayed an array of watercolor and acryllic paintings, drawings and homemade goods, like ceramics, resin art, windchimes, stained glass, clothing and embroidered goods.
Artsy D Shop, located in Bayville, displayed an array of goods, but what started it all was resin coasters. Owner Dayna Morfis said she started her shop right after the COVID-19 pandemic and slowly began expanding her business, which now includes paintings, mosaics, woodburnings and jewlery.
But she wasn’t the only one to start her business amid the pandemic.
Megan Almanzar of MVA Embroidery said she started her keychain embroidery business about four years ago. When everyone began getting crafty during the lockdown, Almanzar said she became interested in completing embroidery projects, but didn’t have the time when after she gave birth. Deciding to make miniature designs and putting them on keychains, she laid the groundwork for her embroidery business
“This was a great event, allowing local artists to showcase their best work along the beautiful backdrop of Theodore Roosevelt Beach. Local artists and artisans had the great opportunity to connect with the community at this wonderful family-friendly gathering,” said Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino.
