Thousands turn out for Merrick Fall Festival

Strong winds blew vendors’ tents here and there, and there was talk of heavy rain pounding Queens and two tornadoes touching down in New York City, at the Merrick Fall Festival on Saturday. But the weather held, the annual festival carried on, and folks had a blast!

The fair, which attracted thousands of people, brought two solid days of fun and friendship. The Merrick Chamber of Commerce set up its booth at the corner of Smith Street and Merrick Avenue, beside the petting zoo and pony ride, where children lined up to meet and greet the animals. Nearby, the Town of Hempstead Showmobile buzzed with excitement as live act after live act took the stage and wowed the crowds, including bands from Bellmore’s Rock Underground school of music.

On the fair’s far north end, at Loines and Merrick avenues, the smell of barbecue was in the air just outside the famed R.S. Jones southwestern eatery, and there was a stage on the street where still more live acts energized fair-goers. On the fair’s south end, at the Long Island Rail Road station, there were magic shows at the gazebo, which was surrounded by a crafts fair and amusement park rides. At the gazebo, the U.S. Tennis Association even set up a small net where children could play friendly games of tennis.

And, in between it all, businesses lined the streets, offering free giveaways and selling their goods and services. Among the dozens of businesses on hand was, of course, the Merrick Herald. Thank you to the hundreds of local residents who stopped off at our tent to receive free newspapers and other giveaways, and chat about local issues.