“Shop local” is this year’s theme at the 27th annual New Hyde Park Street Fair, which will take place on Jericho Turnpike from New Hyde Park Road to Lakeview Road.
The fair will be on Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., two weeks before Rosh Hashanah, and will occur on the same date as the village’s previous 25 street fairs.
The street fair was moved to late October last year, following criticism of the event being held on Rosh Hashanah.
Outside vendors, in conjunction with New Hyde Park Village, are hosting this annual event and encouraging local businesses to set up stands where residents can learn about their services.
Hyde Park, as this area was formerly called, is one of the oldest and most historic settlements in the United States.
Thomas Dongan, royal colonial governor of New York in 1683, lived here on a large estate called Success Pond, which is now known as Lake Success and Lakeville Road.
His estate, Dongan Manor, came into the ownership of George Clarke, secretary of the Province. Clarke’s wife Anne Hyde grew up on her family estate in England called “Hyde Hall,” and Clark renamed Dongan Estate to “Hyde Park.”
More than 300 years ago, Richard Nicolls, governor of the Province of New York, chose the open grounds of the Salisbury Plain to establish a racecourse. A “first” in the colonies, the course was called Newmarket and was located just to the south of the present New Hyde Park Rail Road Station. Many of the participants and spectators may well have traveled the ancient road, which is now called Jericho Turnpike.
Centuries later, participants and spectators of this year’s street fair will use that same road to go to the event.
The event will feature vendors selling crafts, food, raffles, giveaways, games, prizes, and more. The fire department will also be conducting demonstrations, such as vehicle extraction, hose operations, and EMS assessments.
For entertainment, there will be blow-up inflatable rides, and the band Hambones will be playing live music.
“You can sit at a table, get something to eat and listen to the band,” Jeanette Frisina, past president of the New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, said.
Frisina said this year’s theme is “Shop Local,” which means to support local businesses in the New Hyde Park community.
Local organizations that will be in attendance include the Veterans Association, Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts — who will be selling water and giving out raffles — and offices of local elected officials.
“It’s a time when the whole community comes out and has a block party,” Frisina said. “It’s a real local community day. Shop local, support local, support our local organizations and have a good time.”
The purpose of this street fair, according to Frisina, is to bring attention to small businesses.
She said this fair helps showcase all of the village’s businesses and allows neighbors to support them, while also having fun. The “pride in the community” is the most significant aspect of the fair that Frisina said she wanted to highlight.
“I’m hoping to see a good turnout and good weather,” Frisina said.
The rain date for the fair is on Sept. 28.
