Mineola is ready for a sold-out street fair and a crowd that can expect loads of local food, music and businesses this weekend.
The street fair, hosted by the Mineola Chamber of Commerce, is set for Sunday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Jericho Turnpike between Mineola Boulevard and Willis Avenue. The rain day for the fair is set for Sunday, Oct. 8.
Attendees can expect over 120 kiosks of different vendors, businesses and community organizations lined up and down the turnpike.
“We’re gratified because the more things that we can offer the community, the more successful our events are going to be,” said Louis Panacciulli, president of the chamber.
Last year, the chamber decided to take over the full responsibility of planning the street fair with an added focus on making it a family fun day.
Children were able to enjoy a number of inflatable rides and bouncy houses, an RC car demonstration outside Willis Hobbies, carnival games courtesy of the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps, a dunk tank with the Mineola Junior Fire Department and clown show, among many offerings.
Can You Escape? Long Island will also be bringing a portable escape room and attendees can expect additional activities such as axe-throwing or a car show.
“We try to include as many events at the fair to keep people engaged,” Panacciulli said.
Entertainment will be provided on the east and west ends of Jericho throughout the entire day.
At the west end mobile stage, musical duo LeeAnn & John will be performing at 11 a.m., the American Theater Dance Workshop at noon, Master Jeon Taekwondo at 1 p.m., Jason the Clown Magic Show at 1:30 p.m., a performance by The Ariel Loft at 2 p.m., singer Nick Fabiano at 2 p.m. and another magic show at 3:30 p.m.
Also at the west end, the Mineola Historical Society will be honoring businesses that have been operating in the village for over 25 years at 11:45 p.m. This year’s honorees are Mineola Diner, Robert’s, The Valentine Agency, Harry Katz/Carpet One and Mineola Bicycle.
At the east end’s mobile stage, musical outfits Calliope Wren will be performing at 11 a.m., Original Gossip at noon, Skyward Effect at 1 p.m., Fuzz at 2 p.m., School of Rock at 3 p.m. and the Tony Santos Band at 4 p.m.
The Mineola Street Fair started over 200 years ago but adopted the name “Mineola Fair” in 1899, according to the chamber. It was held in Mineola Memorial Park from 1991 until 2013 when it moved to Main Street. It then settled into its current Jericho Turnpike location in 2016.
The decision to move the fair to Jericho Turnpike was made because the chamber’s goal is to help local businesses and it thought the park was too small to help them, according to the chamber.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Panacciulli said he is excited for the residents to see the variety of vendors available, specifically the food options.
“There will be a lot more choices this year for people to make,” Panacciulli said. “We’re looking forward to having all these organizations benefitting from the event.”
