A picture-perfect September day set the stage for Sunday’s Williston Day Street Fair, which featured a high-turnout crowd and thousands lined up and down Hillside Avenue. 

“From the feedback we got from everybody it was great,” said Chamber of the Willistons Vice President Barbara Baur, who organized this year’s fair. “I think it was a great day.”

Baur said she was told by some attendees in the crowd of about 7,000 to 8,000 visitors that they appreciated the variety of options to choose from for both food and shopping. 

Large crowds began to gather around 3 p.m. on Hillside and were treated to a number of performances and exhibitions throughout the day. 

Instead of a DJ this year, there was live music from HOT CAKE and a circus act by Romeo.

People had no shortage of options for entertainment whether it was a demonstration from local dance studios Hidden Talent Dance and Hannah Kroner School of Dance or Taecole Taekwondo of Albertson, which showed its students’ skills to roaring applause for almost every kick.

Baur said moving forward the chamber will consider adding more options for kids. Prior to COVID-19 the parking lot of Bank of America featured carnival rides, Baur said. 

“Next year we’re going to try and do something more for the kids,” Baur said. 

The best chance to cool off Sunday was most likely in the dunk tank, run by the East Williston Fire Department. 

Food options varied, and if someone tried them all, it would have been close to a trip around the world.

Pizza, pickles on a stick and paella were on the menu across the fair and each stop had a line. Luckily for patrons, there was enough music to go around.

On the east end of Hillside, Williston’s Bar and Grill featured music all day from the Gypsy Felons, who played to an outdoor crowd sitting and standing at tables. 

At Spuntino, Catie Egan played an acoustic guitar and was accompanied by percussionist Will Rodriguez while live mariachi was performed at Margarita’s Cafe down the road. 

Sangria 71 showcased its five-foot paella pot with music from Los Cintron, a flamenco act tributing music to the Gipsy Kings. 

Memories 2 Bar & Grill turned its side lot into a cookout with live music for most of the day featuring music from Voodoo Jam Band and FiveStone, which drew a large crowd. 

“We really had no problems,” Baur said. “I think it was a huge success.”