Merrick Chamber gears up for Fall Fest

Merokeans, get ready! The community’s largest annual event is on the way!

The Merrick Chamber of Commerce’s annual Fall Festival will be held from Friday to Saturday, Sept. 25 to 27. Festival hours are Friday, 6 to 11 p.m., for rides only; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The fair annually attracts 10,000 to 20,000 attendees. The festival offers everything from cotton candy to amusement park rides and live music. There will even be a petting zoo.

“From our variety of retail shops, business/medical professionals and community organizations, many will be on display, sharing information about what services they offer,” said Merrick Chamber Vice President Erin Donohue. “Get a taste of the town from many of Merrick’s restaurants who’ll be cooking up a storm all weekend.”

Each year, the Kiwanis Club of Merrick sets up its tent in the middle of the fair to raise money for local causes, and the Merrick and North Merrick fire departments show off their skills in firefighting demonstrations. The Bellmore-Merrick Emergency Medical Services unit and representatives of the armed forces are on hand as well. Students from the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District volunteer to help run booths for children. And, of course, the fair offers Merrick businesses the opportunity to market their wares and services.

Performances by bands at the Town of Hempstead Showmobile on Merrick Avenue and at the gazebo at Veterans Memorial Plaza will include Baddog on Saturday at noon, followed by Jim and Chuck at 1 p.m. The Parade will perform on Sunday at noon and Playback at 3 p.m. Live music will also be performed at the north end of the fair, sponsored by R.S. Jones Restaurant.

Commuters should note that Long Island Rail Road parking will be limited beginning Wednesday, Sept. 23.

As always, the Merrick Herald Life will have a booth at the fair. Be sure to stop by. We love to chat with our neighbors.

For more, check out merrickchamber.org or facebook.com/merrickchamber or call (516) 771-1171.