As 2025 comes to close and we enter the winter season, I wanted to reflect back on Valley Stream’s 100th-anniversary year.
Back in 1925, Valley Stream residents weren’t sold on incorporation. Many neighboring villages had already incorporated: Rockville Centre in 1893, East Rockaway in 1900, Lynbrook in 1911, Malverne in 1921. But Valley Stream’s first vote on incorporation, in 1922, failed to garner a majority.
Finally, on Feb. 14, 1925, our village was officially incorporated. A tiny municipality of 1,000 people has since grown to one of the largest incorporated villages in the nation. Current census data has us at around 42,000 people.
We may have been late to the incorporation party, but we didn’t let that slow us down — or stop us from having a grand anniversary year full of events 100 years later. Today we can be very proud of what Valley Stream has become. This centennial year has been quite the celebration. Thanks to the hard work, planning and dedication of many groups, organizations and residents, we made it a year to remember. The Fire Department, the Historical Society, the Chamber of Commerce and all of our wonderful village staff, supervisors and employees went the extra mile to make our anniversary a success.
Our volunteer committee worked tirelessly to plan memorable events that were enjoyed by residents and visitors of every age.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention committee members by name. They are Steven Acquavella, Kathleen Bogle, Sharon Daly, Barbara DeGrace, Mamie Eng, Jimmy Fitanzo, William Florio, James Hunter, Matthew Khan, Thomas McAleer, Carol McKenna, Dominick Minerva, Donald Pupke and Richard Sullivan. All volunteered to make Valley Stream’s anniversary a success.
Of course, all their great ideas would have fallen flat if every village employee hadn’t pitched in and done their part. Every department — the Building Department, the Building Maintenance Department, the clerk’s and treasurer’s offices, the DPW, the Highway Sanitation and Parks departments, the library, the courts and, of course, our Recreation Department all took pride in their work and share in our village’s success.
The year started with a centennial flag-raising ceremony at Village Hall on Jan. 27. We have displayed our new flag and logo all year long. That was followed by the dedication of a new gazebo at our Moonlight Centennial Dance Party under the stars at the Community Center at Hendrickson Lake on May 3.
That month, Business View magazine recognized the village and our 100 years of growth.
I’m also proud to announce that as part of our 100th anniversary, we can look forward to a soon-to-be broadcast PBS Viewpoint Project documentary featuring Valley Stream. More information will follow as that production hits the airwaves!
All summer long, at our car shows and summer concert series, pool events, library and Camp Barrett, we recognized and celebrated our milestone. Local artists Mike Stanko and Matthew Khan held an art exhibit at the Pagan Fletcher Restoration on May 30. The library and Historical Society hosted several centennial events, lectures and contests.
Our annual Fireman’s Memorial Field July 4th Independence Day fireworks display had a distinctive 100th-anniversary flair. We displayed a fabulous neon centennial sign, and had plenty of keepsake gifts in our “swag bags,” including Congo, our unofficial pool lion mascot, pens, cups, commemorative challenge coins and an updated history brochure.
On Sept. 27, we held a huge Centennial Parade and Block Party. The daylong event featured 46 community groups and organizations marching in a parade through the village’s downtown. We have to thank our 20 sponsors, who donated so generously to make all our events cost-effective and fun, and we especially want to thank all the residents who came out that day to cheer us along the parade route, join the block party on the Village Green, marvel at the spectacular centennial drone show and dance the night away under the stars.
Winterfest will mark the end of 2025, but the beginning of our next hundred years’ journey.
I want to thank everyone for sharing this past special year with all of your friends, neighbors and elected officials, especially our own board of trustees and village justice, all of whom make the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream so special.
Thank you all. Have a safe, happy and prosperous 2026. See you around the village!
Ed Fare is the mayor of Valley Stream.
