Community News

Bellmore Family Street Fest draws a crowd

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On Grand Avenue, a block east of the main strip at the Bellmore Family Street Festival, the sounds of the 1960s were blasting Sunday afternoon. Under a blue canopy in the center of the street, the Backyard Birds were playing Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” as passersby danced across the hot pavement.

The group set up shop just outside the Bellmore Bean Café, which was hopping. Customers streamed in and out of the musically themed eatery –– a baby grand piano, saxophone, flute and trombone are attached to the wall above cushioned lounge chairs.

The orders for cappuccinos and espressos came fast and furious. “It’s been crazy in here yesterday and today,” said Samantha Liguori, a barista behind the counter. “It’s been good.”

As usual, the Street Festival, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores, drew tens of thousands of fair-goers to the blocks around the Bellmore Long Island Rail Road station. Folks thronged Bedford Avenue and its environs north of Sunrise Highway Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., after which the fun continued at the carnival in the train station parking lot.

Many came for the food –– and there was plenty of it. Wherever one turned, there was a truck or stand selling one form of fair favorite or another, from empanadas to spicy pickles, gyros, pizza, roasted corn, and, of course, hot dogs, waffle-cut fries, sausage and peppers, and zeppoli coated in powdered sugar.

Jeff Robinson, a glazier from East Rockaway, came to the fair with his wife to celebrate their 18th anniversary. “We’re doing a little shopping, and we’re going to get something to eat,” he said, noting that his wife was searching for fish, and he wanted a steak and a beer.

Bellmore Boy Scout Troop 577 sold candied apples, glazed doughnuts and cider to raise money for the group. John Kullins, 17, a senior at Mepham High School in North Bellmore, said the scouts love the festival. “It’s a community thing,” he said. “It’s everybody getting together. It’s seeing things you’ve never seen.”

The Bellmore Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, Sons of Italy and Knights of Columbus were all on hand, selling a variety of foods to raise money for charity. Dance and martial arts students from Bellmore studios demonstrated their skills. And local elected leaders had booths where they met with constituents to hear their concerns.

Keeping a watchful eye on it all were the Bellmore Fire Department and the Bellmore-Merrick Emergency Medical Services. Sal Ferro, of North Bellmore, a lieutenant with the EMS, said, “We love [the festival]. We love doing it every year. It’s a pleasure getting out and helping the community.”