Third annual winter festival comes to Wantagh

Community members are invited to walk through a winter wonderland with the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce at the organization’s third annual Winter Wonderland Fair this month.

Slated for Saturday, Nov. 27, the annual winter
festival will be held at the Wantagh Museum from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

“I’m excited for this event,” Chamber President Cathy Powell said, “because the spirit that is there on that day is euphoric. It’s a community-oriented, joyous feeling.”

The seasonal affair, always held at the museum, brought in roughly 1,500 participants. The second year, attendance nearly doubled, Powell said.

The holiday bash, free to the public, will be held outside of the “Jamaica” parlor car and the old Wantagh Long Island Rail Road station, both of which are part of the grounds operated by nonprofit Wantagh Preservation Society. While on site, guests are invited to grab food and goods from a variety of Wantagh-based vendors, including: Mama’s Custom Cookies, Pies-on Wheels, Simply Greekalicious, Dapper Effects, LCC and the Chamber’s event sponsor, SAS Realty.

Live entertainment will be provided by the Wantagh American Legion Pipes and Drums, Show Stompin’ Irish Dance, Platinum Performance Dance Academy and caroling group The Jewel Tones. And little ones can partake in a trolley ride, sponsored by Little Shop of Flowers in Wantagh.

“Any time that we can support our local businesses and provide the community with something fun to do, we like to take that opportunity,” Powell said.

Wantagh Chamber Vice President Marilynne Rich said organizing the festival has been a community-driven effort: “So many local businesses pitched in to help put this event together. Performances from our local dance studios showcase the talents of the children in our community,” she said. “It’s a day to start your holiday shopping, listen to the beautiful sounds of the music groups, ride the trolley with the kids and just enjoy the day.”

Italian grocery store Iavarone Brothers, located in the Cherrywood Shopping Center, has provided 500 swag bags for event guests. The Chamber is asking attendees to bring one unwrapped toy to donate to the John Theissen Children’s Foundation as a holiday gift.

Children can also anticipate a visit from Santa Claus, with assistance from Chamber businesses Lifestyles Sports and The Irish Poet.

SAS Realty owner Angela Testa said while the festive fair is fairly new in Wantagh, she said it has the potential to invite former residents back into the community.

“I think it will be a tradition that will continue for a long time and bring back many memories for those that may have left our great town and have now come back for the event,” Testa said. “They will remember what an awesome community Wantagh was for them and how it will be for future residents.”

A Christmas tree lighting ceremony and Menorah blessing at 6 p.m. will conclude the event. This year’s menorah was donated by Chamber member Christopher Kaufman in honor of his parents, Libby and Richard Kaufman.

Handicapped parking will be available outside of the event. Please contact (516) 679-0100  for more information or for accommodations.