The Willistons are hosting their street fair on Sunday, Sept. 18 on Hillside Avenue east of Willis Avenue to Williston Park’s LIRR station.
The fair, named Williston Day, is being hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Willistons and will begin at 11 a.m. and run to 5 p.m. The national anthem will kick things off and be performed by Julie O’Donnell.
Performances will include Hillside Avenue’s Hidden Talent Dance at noon, Charles Water Karate & Fitness at 12:30 p.m., Albertson’s TaeCole Tae Kwon Do & Fitness at 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. and the Hannah Kroner School of Dance at 2 p.m. before ending with music from Herricks students at 3:30 p.m.
Additional outdoor music will be performed outside Willistons,’ which will also be featuring outdoor seating and drink and food specials during the fair.
The street fair has been a tradition spanning over three decades, said Nancy Zolezzi, the Chamber of Commerce treasurer.
“We’re practically sold out, we’ve had a great response,” Zolezzi said of the spots for vendors. “A lot of new businesses have opened up so they’ll be participating.”
Residents can expect to see a showing of local businesses, organizations and the villages on Hillside Avenue between Willis Avenue and the railroad tracks.
Sangria 71 will be showcasing their five-foot paella pot with music from Los Cintron, a flamenco act tributing music to the Gipsy Kings.
At Memories 2 Bar & Grill, Some Guys will be playing on their stage in their side parking lot from noon to 2 p.m. with FiveStone playing from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Hildebrandt’s, the iconic eatery that was bought earlier this year, will also feature an ice cream station outside its location.
Williston Day returned to a big turnout in 2021, the first fair since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Zolezzi said last year the chamber originally had 200 spaces for vendors, businesses and community organizations. However, the total number exceeded that by a considerable margin.