Fall Festival A Success

Pete Gardner, top right, Chamber director and manager of Kings Supermarket, a sponsor, served an array of delectable food.

Saturday, October 16, was a grand and glorious brisk fall day as thousands of residents and visitors to the Village turned out to shop, lunch and enjoy the multitude of expanded activities along Seventh Street. It was the Chamber of Commerce’s 26 annual Fall Festival Street Fair and community day held in conjunction with the Garden City High School’s Homecoming Day Parade. There were good eats, good fun and the opportunity for businesses and Village organizations to promote their products and services. The Chamber thanks the many volunteers who contributed to the success of the event, the Village forces for keeping everything in order, and the many Chamber members who contributed to the fall feeling with cornstalks lining Seventh Street.

The kids enjoyed the challenging baseball pitch game.

Chamber directors Kathleen Petronis and Chris Smalley with Chamber president Jerry Unger at the Chamber booth. Good ol’ barbershop harmony stopped by the Chase display. The Village Music Makers 19-piece big band entertained in front of Leo’s. Not pictured was Tom Wagner, director. St. Joseph’s School had a huge display. Powerhouse Entertainment provided karaoke for the eighth consecutive year. Keyfood Fresh Market, a sponsor, had a huge food display. The biggest hits were the two trackless vehicles which carried hundreds up and down Seventh Street. The carnival games were a welcome attraction added for 2004. Greg Bavaro, owner of Garden City Pizza and staffer serve up the pizza. Tony Libertella, Chamber vice president, with the Seventh Street Café staff. From left, Rickey Kalinowski; Fran Nelson, and Chamber director; and Renee Grasso. Several church groups joined the many organizations that exhibited during this all-community day. Stephanie Cullum, Chamber director, and the crew from Coach Realtors. Cummin and Maureen Clancy raffled off a giant pumpkin - a Street Fair tradition. Friends of Adelphi University Library have been an exhibiter for the past 26 years. The castle bounce was a favorite. Feldis Florists had their traditionally great display. The crew from Fidelity Investments. Eric and Kelly Leong, owners of Sushi Ya, the new Japanese restaurant on Franklin Avenue, and Kelly’s mom. Bert Donley, Chamber past president and director, served as musical MC, singing up a storm and directing spectators to the various activities. This little cutie gathered up an armful of dollars (if only they were real), from the money machine. A big hit was the “money matching” manned by Roger Eltringham, Chamber security-treasurer.