Organizers prepping for sixth annual Community Fest

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Nine volunteers have been working diligently since last fall to prepare for this year’s Community Fest — set for Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Rockaway Avenue — by contacting local businesses, securing vendors and scheduling entertainment.

“It’s really a small committee and we do it all,” said Marie McNair, chairperson of the Community Fest committee.

The planning, she said, began after last year’s fest drew about 10,000 people who enjoyed a day of shopping, dining, entertainment and culture. McNair said that more people come to the Community Fest each year. “I remember that when the Fest began six years ago, we never envisioned that it would grow so quickly, but it has,” she said. “I hope that we have another great turnout and that everyone really enjoys the day.”

To better accommodate the crowd this year, the committee added a new food court in the center of the street fair that will consolidate food options and seating.

Also new this year are a petting zoo and a slide for children to enjoy. Children at Community Fest will also be able to enjoy the sports area that was added last year and a bounce house. “We’re always looking for good activities for kids,” McNair said, adding that the children’s activities help draw community members to the fair. “To make it community-oriented, you have to make it child-oriented.”

Guests will be able to enjoy performances by the Baha’i Center’s Children’s Theater Company and Layla’s Dance and Drum. In addition, McNair said, there will be international music to showcase Valley Stream’s diversity.

About 200 local businesses will be represented, including Sara Companion Homecare Services, Boost Mobile, Mazda and Dime Savings Bank.

“I am happy that the Fest allows the people in our community to interact with local businesses and organizations,” Vice President of the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce Debbi Gyulay said in an emailed statement. The Chamber of Commerce is co-sponsoring the Community Fest. “Local, small business is the backbone of our community, and they need us to support them.”

The Community Fest began in 2012 when James Giordano and David Sabatino wanted to build a sense of community, highlight diversity and showcase local businesses.

“Now in our sixth year, we are still finding new ways to feature all that our community has to offer and more,” Sabatino said in an emailed statement.