Treasure hunting at Nassau Coliseum's Market Fair

A new shopping experience awaits at – of all places – Nassau Coliseum. Part outdoor market, part fair (thus the name Market Fair), this collection of vendors seeks to strike a balance between a street festival, craft fair and marketplace.
“We want to be able to let families come in, have a bite to eat, walk around, browse, and enjoy the day. We want to make it economically friendly to the community,” says Glen Merendino, one of the Market Fair owners.
Whether you are looking for that special find or are a vendor looking to get noticed, the Market Fair is the place to be. The new weekly market, on 30 acres at Nassau Coliseum’s Hempstead Turnpike parking lot, features over 250 vendors from Long Island and the tri-state area. The vast array of items to choose from includes repurposed furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as a selection of jewelry and arts and crafts by local artisans, along with a greenmarket and other items.
“We have a broad range of merchandise that is well-priced,” says Merendino. “There’s something that will appeal to everyone – young adults, parents, kids, seniors.”
So Mom can shop for jewelry or check out the collectibles, Dad may be on the lookout for a hat or some socks, the kids can find a tee shirt or two, and teens can pick up some vintage clothing or a funky pair of sunglasses, among other finds.
Merendino’s partners in this venture – Thomas Walker and Thomas Brady – ran the Roosevelt Raceway Flea Market until it closed in 1988 and subsequently the Aqueduct Flea Market, which ceased in 2010.
“We’re filling a void,” he says. “Long Islanders have so many good memories of the Roosevelt and Aqueduct flea markets. Residents have really missed an opportunity to shop in that kind of environment. We’ve taken the concept and have raised it up a notch. We’re offering a great variety of vendors that include some from the old days and many new ones.”