Proceeds from the fair go to fund several of the chamber's community events, including the annual tree- and menorah-lighting ceremonies, a Halloween parade, networking events for local businesses, and holiday street lights on Merrick Avenue, Merrick Road, Jerusalem Avenue and Babylon Turnpike.

In addition, the Chamber of Commerce will use part of the money to fund its annual scholarships, including $2,000 to each Bellmore-Merrick high school –– Calhoun, Kennedy and Mepham.

But what the fair primarily does, Shotland said, is to get people more involved in the community, as well as to give Merokeans a greater appreciation of the town that they live in. "What we want residents to realize is that we are a solid community," said Shotland. "We want our community to love our community."

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