‘Tremendous turnout’ for Merrick Fall Festival

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Magicians performing sword tricks, a meet-and-greet with a Merrick Kiwanian’s reptilian friend and mascots dressed as giant emojis were some of the wonders of this year’s Merrick Fall Festival and Street Fair, hosted by the Merrick Chamber of Commerce last weekend.

Late-summer sunlight filled the streets of Merrick near the Long Island Rail Road station — as did large crowds. “The turnout has been tremendous,” said Leo Levine, chamber member and the owner of Merrick Surgical Supplies.

Levine added that he was grateful for the sunny weather, but also for the ability to celebrate with his community amid the news of Hurricanes Harvey’s and Irma’s destruction in the southern states. “I think, given everything that has happened in the nation … people just wanted to come out and be with other people,” he said.

The fair provided the perfect opportunity for Calhoun High School’s On Tour theater group to meet community members — in character.

The actors dressed as their favorite superheroes and Disney characters, posed for photos with guests and hosted a face-painting booth. Their first show of the season, beginning Oct. 27, will be “The Merry Wives of Windsor.”

A special guest at this year’s fair was Slinky, a domesticated boa constrictor owned by Marty Neuringer of the Merrick Kiwanis Club. “He loves meeting new people,” Neuringer said at the Kiwanis booth.

Festival-goers were also drawn to demonstrations by students of Merrick’s several martial arts studios, illusions performed by magician Mark Schussmann, and performances by local bands. Elected officials also made the rounds, shaking hands and listening patiently to residents’ feedback, good and bad.

Another feature of the fair was its food, with vendors selling favorites like pickles on a stick and roasted corn, and food trucks offering Latin and Mexican cuisine.

“We come every year,” said Annemarie Goldberg, of North Babylon. Her daughter Savannah, 7, excitedly ran toward a mascot dressed as a giant poop emoji and embraced him as her mother took a picture.

“She loves emojis,” Goldberg said with a laugh.