Fun for all at Merrick's Kid's Fest

The Merrick Chamber of Commerce's annual Kid's Fest was a "complete success" last weekend, according to chamber President Margaret Mueller, proprietor of R.S. Jones Restaurant on Merrick Avenue.

The festival, now in its 12th year, boasted the usual rides and games that make this event a family favorite, and also some popular new additions, including a craft fair and a visit by The King himself (OK, it was an Elvis Presley impersonator — but he was so popular that Mueller says he'll be back for the chamber's Fall Fest in October).

"Even though we lost Sunday, it was a tremendous success," Mueller said of the soggy part of the weekend. "The fair gets better every year."

"Over the years, I have seen the littlest ones in their strollers who now attend as teenagers," said chamber past president Julie Marchesella, who presided over the first Kid's Fest more than a decade ago. "It's a very rewarding experience to see the children come back year after year with their parents."

Each year the Chamber of Commerce donates $2,000 to each school in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, to be used as scholarships for local students.

"Every president thereafter has been just as dedicated to the cause," Marchesella said. "The main criteria for awarding our scholarship is that the child be learning challenged and wishes to pursue a college education."

This year, the chamber raised enough funds to award three scholarships, and also to put money toward beautifying Merrick's downtown business district. Scholarships will be awarded at the Chamber of Commerce's annual Merchant and Professional of the Year awards dinner.

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