For 13 years, Arts Below Sunrise Music & S.T.E.A.M. Festival — hosted by Hewlett-Woodmere Public School’s Endowment Fund — has occupied a stretch of Broadway, from Franklin Avenue to Irving Place. Now, that is in jeopardy.
The school district alleged that Matthew Schiller, the commanding officer and inspector for Nassau County Police Department’s 4th Precinct, highlighted safety concerns as the reason for not permitting the fair to take place on Broadway, at a school district Board of Education meeting on March 18. If that decision holds, the fair would take place on opposite sides of the roadway, creating possible hazardous conditions for fair attendees.
“We fully respect the role of the Nassau County Police Department and prioritizing safety,” board President Debi Sheinin read from a letter the trustees plan on sending to other media. “However, in this instance, we are deeply concerned that the current decision places our community in a less controlled and more hazardous situation than the structured approach that has been implemented for more than a decade. “
Arts Below Sunrise attracts over 4,000 attendees and 150 student and adult volunteers annually. The community-wide event features live music performances and over 100 local artists and craft vendors. Food trucks and community booths line the sidewalks. Woodmere Education Center, located at the festival’s center, hosts hands-on S.T.E.A.M. activities and hosts robotics demos, art projects and interactive exhibits.
It draws support from organizations such as the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association, Trinity-St John’s Church, the Hewlett Woodmere Public Library, Hewlett Fire Department and Woodmere Fire Department.
The Endowment Fund, spearheaded by Board Chairman John Roblin, is an independent organization of alumni, families and community organizations. Arts Below Sunrise is the funds only fundraiser and provides support for district programs like robotics, music and arts.
In an interview with the Herald, Roblin said the Police Department’s frustrations may be related to the festival two years ago, when the district hired a company to provide carnival rides as part of its centennial anniversary. The person who ran the carnival rides was unable to clear Broadway until 10 P.M. Roblin noted that it remained separate from the festival and that all the other vendors registered with the Endowment Fund were off the street in time for the road to be reopened.
“It was a separate event that had nothing to do with the festival,” Roblin said. “This situation is disheartening. There’s never been an issue before.”
Board Trustee Chani Jeter said the festival is a vital part of the community and the opportunity to support district programs.
“This money doesn’t go back into anybody’s pockets,” Trustee Chani Jeter said, “this is money that’s necessary for the kids in the district to do that extra stuff that makes us great.
Ahead of the festivals anticipated April 26 date, District Superintendent Dina Anzalone will meet with Schiller’s administration on March 25 to discuss the festival’s future site.
As of press time, the 4th Precinct declines to comment.
