A picture-perfect autumn day in Mineola was the backdrop for another street fair filled with music, friends and fun.
Residents and attendees were treated to a record number of vendors that lined up along Jericho Turnpike from Mineola Boulevard almost to the Nassau Boulevard offering a wide selection of goods, food and entertainment.
Tony Lubrano, vice president of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce which sponsors the street fair, said Sunday was a testament to the commitment from all parties involved to put on a high-quality event.
“These things don’t happen by themselves,” Lubrano told Blank Slate Media. “We are truly blessed in our chamber to have a very strong core group of people who really care and put so much effort into making this happen.
The Mineola Street Fair started over 100 years ago but adopted the name “Mineola Fair” in 1899. 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.
A few years ago a third party took over the majority of planning and responsibility for the fair, but Lubrano said the chamber took it back last year to provide more of a family fun day and make the event about enjoying what the village has to offer.
“We wanted to try our best to make a family atmosphere where there’s plenty of reasons to stay and not do one lap before leaving,” Lubrano said.
Lubrano said the upswing the chamber started on last year jumpstarted this year’s event, which had at least 150 vendors, if not 160, a new high. The vice president said the show mobile at the east end in previous years was stationed in front of Dunkin’ but had to be moved back further to accommodate the total number of vendors.
In the middle of Jericho stood multiple inflatable rides for kids, who enjoyed a bouncy house, RC car demonstration through different obstacles outside Willis Hobbies, carnival games courtesy of the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps, dunk tank with the Mineola Junior Fire Department and a magic show.
Mineola Bicycle challenged attendees to ride 50 feet as slowly as possible, recording the lowest times throughout the day.
On the corner of Willis and Banbury Road, the Irish American Society of Nassau, Suffolk and Queens had their own live music and refreshments.
Local and town officials thanked residents for turning out for the fair. Mayor Paul Pereira thanked the chamber for their efforts and the village staff who helped organize the planning before reminding attendees to support Mineola businesses.
“Shop local today, shop local tomorrow and shop local all year,” Pereira said to the crowd Sunday.
Shortly before noon at the west end mobile stage, the Mineola Historical Society honored businesses in the village that have been operating for over 25 years. This year’s honorees included Mineola Diner, Robert’s, The Valentine Agency, Harry Katz Carpet One and Mineola Bicycle.
Also at the west end, performances and demonstrations were held by musical duo LeeAnn & John, the American Theater Dance Workshop, Master Jeon Taekwondo, the Ariel Loft and singer Nick Fabiano.
On the opposite side of Jericho, attendees were treated to live music from outfits Calliope Wren, Original Gossip, Skyward Effect, Yankee Rebel, the School of Rock and the Tony Santos Band.
Lubrano said feedback on Sunday has been positive, with attendees commending the wide variety of food options and vendors appreciating the professionalism of the event for everyone involved.
“Some emails have commented on how nice and well-organized everything was and how much business they brought in,” Lubrano said. “They’re already looking forward to next year and we are really excited. I can’t imagine anyone who was there yesterday that wouldn’t want to come back next year.”
