Festival without all the hustle and bustle coming

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There are plenty of festivals during the fall in Nassau County, but they are often crowded, so much so that it can be an unpleasant experience. The Gold Coast Business Association is hosting a fall festival on Sunday that will be different.
“Our festival isn’t an overpowering event like Mini Mart or the Oyster Festival where people can be overwhelmed by a crowd,” Ed Lieberman, president of the association, said. “People will get a chance to meet our local business owners.”
Twenty-seven local businesses will set up booths in the First National Bank parking lot in Glen Head from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to not only share a sampling of what they offer but also to meet the community. There will also be craft and food vendors and offerings for children by way of carnival games and face painting. Even Elmo and Cookie Monster will be stopping by.
“Business and community go hand in hand,” said Kim Alfarone, owner of Lola Tucker Interiors and Artisan Jules, who is chairing the festival. “The fall festival is a great way to interact with people in the community and to let them get to know who you are and what your business is all about in a fun, local way.”
“This festival will highlight us,” added Sue Giordano, of Susan Giordano Design. “We support small business in any way we can including issues with parking and technology. We try to connect people together to solve issues.”

Glen Head-Glenwood Landing Business Association had a fall festival for many years. Four years ago, when it was rebranded and its name was changed to Gold Coast Business Association, the members decided to continue the tradition.
But when they planned for a festival three years a nor’easter hit causing torrential downpours. The festival had to be cancelled. Then in 2020 the coronavirus stopped most activities from occurring and in 2021 it was pretty much the same situation.
Now, with mask mandates lifted, people are going out once again, anxious to enjoy themselves as they had what seems like so long ago. The association decided it was the perfect time to have a festival.
Terrence Kenniff, owner of COCO Confectioners and Coffee, joined the association after opening his Sea Cliff business three years ago. He said membership has been advantageous.
“The networking, talking to other local business owners has helped me navigate my business and has given me an ability to reach out to the community through the different organizations like CASA and Love Your Neighbor,” Kenniff said. “The festival isn’t a fundraiser. It’s more a gathering to make sure people in our neighborhood know the great businesses that are here, and for them to get out and enjoy the beautiful north shore.”
Lieberman said the goal is to expand. With the board and then the general memberships approval, Gold Coast Business Association may soon be open to businesses that are not located in the north shore.
“We expanded membership with over a dozen new businesses this summer, which is unusual,” he said. “Any business who can bring something to the table is what I’m looking for.”