Wednesday, December 11, 2024
The Uniondale community came together on Oct. 20 for the Uniondale Community Fall Festival of 2024. Over 250 community members enjoyed a day filled with shopping, activities and entertainment.
“We hope to make it a staple every year,” David Greaves, president of the John J. Byrne Community Center, said.
This year’s festival — the second of its kind at the Byrne Center — showcased Uniondale’s rich diversity, with vendors offering a wide array of products and services, including jewelry, household goods, crafts, and healthcare information, according to Greaves. Cultural and ethnic organizations were also represented, “reflecting the community’s commitment to inclusion and collaboration.”
The festival made an effort to highlight local businesses and civic organizations, Greaves said, and a mobile clinic from Molloy College provided free health screenings, which gave attendees access to healthcare services they may otherwise struggle to get.
People could have their blood pressure checked, and finger prick tests allowed the nursing students and nurse practitioners to check blood sugars, cholesterol and hemoglobin levels. There was also a team of social workers, speech therapists and mental health professionals to provide additional support.
Musical performances by the Uniondale High School Jazz Band and DJ Sound Barbarian kept the crowd entertained, and the Uniondale Community Council provided carnival games, face painting and crafting sessions for kids. Families strolled through the festival, participating in giveaways and learning about various community resources from the various groups and organizations present, according to Greaves.
The event was directed by Greaves and Marvin Amazan and included a group of dedicated volunteers to help the day run smoothly.
The event was made possible by various sponsors, including Charmaine Robin State Farm Agency, Knockout Pest Control, Sands New York, Vineyard Offshore, B2K Development, Brixli, Sutton Landing, The Bristal and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
“The Uniondale Community Fall Festival of 2024 will undoubtedly be remembered as a day of joy, community pride and togetherness,” Greaves said in a statement to the Herald, “an event that truly showcased what makes Uniondale such a special place to call home.”
