New Hyde Park and the Willistons will host their street fairs on the weekend of Sept. 17.
Both villages canceled the fairs last year due to COVID-19, and this fair will be the first for New Hyde Park since 2018 due to LIRR construction two years ago.
New Hyde Park will hold its fair on Saturday and the Willistons will hold the festivities on Sunday.
The fair for the Willistons, which is being hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Willistons, will begin at 11 a.m.. The national anthem will kick things off and be performed by Julie O’Donnell.
The street fair has been a tradition spanning over three decades, said Nancy Zolezzi, the Chamber of Commerce treasurer.
Residents can expect to see a showing of local businesses, organizations and the villages from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Hillside Avenue between Willis Avenue and the railroad tracks, she said. Expected to attend are historical societies, libraries, fire departments, the Rotary Club, American Legion, VFW and New York Islanders representatives, to name a few.
There will be live music and demonstrations from the Hidden Talents Dance Center from Williston Park and the Hannah Kroner School of Dance in Albertson. Alongside the musical demonstrations, local martial arts studios will perform.
The Village of New Hyde Park is hosting its 24th annual street fair after having to cancel the previous two. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Jericho Turnpike from New Hyde Park Road to Covert Avenue. Residents will see local service organizations, businesses and first responders in attendance.
According to Mayor Christopher Devane, residents can expect no shortage of things to do for the Saturday event.
“There’s going to be loads of vendors, loads of food and hopefully loads of fun,” he said.
During the fair, Devane expects live music from both a band and DJ. The New Hyde Park Fire Department will perform a simulation of rescuing a person from a car.
Also included in the entertainment are taekwondo and martial arts demonstrations from local studios.
For Devane, who was sworn into office earlier this year, putting on the street fair has a little extra meaning.
“We’re looking forward to this one because we haven’t had one for two years and are trying to bounce back from COVID,” he said. “It’s a nervous anticipation, but we’re certainly looking forward to it.”
