Merrick Fall Festival just around the corner

Merokeans, get ready! The community’s largest annual event is on the way!

The Merrick Chamber of Commerce's annual Fall Festival will be held from Friday to Sunday, Sept. 8 to 10. Festival hours are Friday, 6 to 11 p.m., for rides only; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The fair annually attracts 10,000 to 20,000 attendees. The festival offers everything from cotton candy to amusement park rides and live music. There will even be pony rides and special exhibits from local fire departments.

“From our variety of retail shops, business/medical professionals and community organizations, many will be on display, sharing information about what services they offer,” said Merrick Chamber President Erin Donohue. “Get a taste of the town from many of Merrick's restaurants who'll be cooking up a storm all weekend.”

Each year, the Kiwanis Club of Merrick sets up its tent in the middle of the fair to raise money for local causes, and the Merrick and North Merrick fire departments show off their skills in firefighting demonstrations. The Bellmore-Merrick Emergency Medical Services unit and representatives of the armed forces are on hand as well. Students from the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District volunteer to help run booths for children. And, of course, the fair offers Merrick businesses the opportunity to market their wares and services.

A special Sept. 11 memorial service will be held on Sunday at noon at the intersection of Sunrise Highway and Merrick Avenue.

Free transportation from the Bellmore Train Station to the fair will be available, provided by All Island Taxi of Merrick.