Hundreds of people gathered for Manhasset’s Al Fresco Sunday, an evening of fun on Plandome Road filled with games, music and dining. But what started as a way to promote businesses during the pandemic has evolved into a newfound tradition.

“I’m fourth generation in Manhasset so my goal was always ‘how do we help the community?’” Manhasset Chamber of Commerce Co-President Matthew Donno said. “This is where I grew up, this is where I live.”

Al Fresco, hosted by the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce, is made up of four events on Manhasset’s Plandome Road, which is closed off to traffic during the event.

Entertainment is provided for every resident of every age, with games to engage the children, live music performances and a plethora of local eateries where diners can sit right on the street of Plandome Road.

The event encompasses the entire community, Chamber Co-President Antonietta Manzi said, even including a group of local girls selling cookies.

“It’s great to see kids that are interested in being involved in the community and using the Al Fresco to get their cause out there,” Manzi said.

Al Frescos are planned on Sunday evenings, which Donno said is intentional.

Many residents leave for weekend getaways but typically return home by Sunday evening, Donno said. When they return, they now have a fun activity to cap off their weekend.

Donno said feedback so far has been “very positive.”

Al Fresco is the brainchild of Donno, who became the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce president in the fall of 2019.

Donno has a background in business development, an experience he said influenced the idea for the Al Frescos.

Manhasset’s Al Frescos started as a method to promote local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and mass restrictions.

The first Al Fresco was held in 2020. Only one event was scheduled that year.

But Donno said it was amplified for the following year when eight events were scheduled in 2021.

Now that pandemic restrictions no longer exist, Donno said the Al Frescos have now transitioned to a community-style event that still centers around promoting local businesses.

“It started off as a Covid thing, trying to promote the businesses, and now it’s a community event,” Manzi said.

With three years under their belts, Donno said the Chamber has now hit its stride with an understanding of “how to do it right” every time.

One Al Fresco is scheduled every month this season, amounting to four in total. The final one will be held Aug. 10.

Although scaling it back from prior years, Donno said this now permits them to make each one a bit bigger.

The Al Frescos, now a community staple, will continue next year with bigger and grander plans for the fifth anniversary.

“It’s helping the businesses,” Donno said. “Ultimately, our goal is how to drive traffic into the town.”