Arts and Crafts Festival draws record crowds

The Long Beach Arts and Crafts Fair kicked off on July 17 and 18, an event that drew huge crowds, organizers said.

"We expanded it in length this year and it was more spread out,” said events coordinator Colleen Silvia, adding that the event stretched along the boardwalk from Monroe to west of Edwards Boulevard to accommodate larger crowds this year.

Residents, beach-goers and visitors braved the sweltering weekend heat to enjoy the food and hand-made items.

Mark Palmatary’s flavored shaved ices were a hit, as well as many stands offering fresh-squeezed lemonade. Among the 270 vendors was Chris Holwald of Norwood Farms with his popular pickle stand.

“I love that I can come to work today and still see the beach,” said Holwald. Vendors displayed numerous beach-inspired gifts. Among the favorites were hand-made tissue boxes covered in shells, framed beach-scene photographs, jellyfish art, and air-plants stemming from seashells.

Tyra Busigo of New Hyde Park was one of the many who purchased a one-of-a-kind gift.

“It is my first time in Long Beach — I just bought a jellyfish in glass for my Mom,” said Busigo, referring to Darlene O’Keefe’s popular stand offering Jellyfish Treasures, natural frozen sea jellies preserved in glass for

display.

 The Long Beach Chamber of Commerce was on hand to promote local merchants and the city at its booth, giving out information — including over 1,000 Long Beach Guides — about Long Beach and all of the restaurants and boutiques that dot the city from east to west. The Chamber also sold raffles that gave attendees a chance to win prizes donated by local merchants, including a $2,500 vacation for two and a 42 inch television. Proceeds from the raffle help the Chamber operate throughout the year.

Event sponsors included the law offices of Polsky, Shoudice and Rosen, N.Y. Life, Verizon Fios, and The New York Times. Water bottles, tickets to a Sting concert, and caricatures were provided to aid the city in the event.

“The sponsors were wonderful” said Silvia. “It is all about offering a variety of such unique items that is appreciated by local residents,” she said about the fair.

The Long Beach Historical Society will coordinate the event when it returns on Saturday and Sunday, August 21 and 22.