Floral Park's Autumn Fair Set for Oct. 20

By Carisa Keane

Floral Park's first autumn festival street fair, co-sponsored by the Floral Park Chamber of Commerce and the New York Racing Association (NYRA), will immediately follow next Saturday's Fire Prevention Day celebration. On Oct. 20, scores of vendors and musicians are expected to line Tulip and Verbena Avenues and Floral Blvd. Local organizations interested in taking part should call Terry Gamble, event co-chair, at 326-7709. Food, entertainment and more will be provided.

The festival takes place one week before Belmont Park hosts the Breeder's Cup World Thoroughbred Championships, racing's year-end championship consisting of eight races and $13 million in purses and awards. "Our village has never had an event like this," Robert Sullivan, owner of Jameson's Bar and Grill and festival chairman, said. "It's a chance for everyone to come together to enjoy all that Floral Park has to offer."

Five bands will provide musical entertainment, including Risky Business, Dave Ball and the Smoking Guns, the Wes Houston Band, John LaMere and the sounds of Tom Wagner, a 16-18-piece band that will perform in the vicinity of Village Hall.

In addition to giant slides and bungee runs for children and adults, more than 50 vendors will sell merchandise, everything from deli food and pizza to jewelry, clothing, sporting goods, floral baskets and more.

"We're delighted to partner with our neighbors to celebrate thoroughbred racing's premier event," Terry Meyocks, president and CEO of the NYRA, said. "The Floral Park Festival helps generate the kind of grassroots excitement that is such an integral part of the Belmont Park community."

Mayor Ann Corbett reminds residents that Tulip Avenue, between Plainfield and Atlantic Avenues, will be closed between 3-7 p.m. There will be no parking on Tulip Avenue beginning at 1 p.m. Village Police Commissioner Mike Reid is working closely with the Chamber committee regarding traffic flow and parking restrictions on Tulip Avenue and surrounding streets. In the event of rain, the autumn festival will take place Sunday, Oct. 21 from 3-7 p.m.