Community Fest draws thousands

The fourth annual Valley Stream Community Fest last Saturday had more vendors and activities and drew larger crowds than ever before, according to its organizers, who said that more sponsors helped the fair grow this year.

“The day was spectacular in all ways,” said Marie McNair, chair of the planning committee. “It exceeded our expectations for how many people would show up, and the weather was just fabulous.”

McNair said that counting attendees was impossible, but Rockaway Avenue was packed with residents and visitors from neighboring communities throughout the day.

A significant increase in the number of sponsors this year enabled the committee to bring in a wider variety of vendors and activities, including the addition of a dunk tank that was popular, McNair said. The committee also boosted its publicity for the event.

A number of local groups performed on the stage and at other spots as attendees paused from shopping to watch. McNair said that routines by the Children’s Theatre Company and Layla’s Dance and Drum, both of Valley Stream, were standouts. “The entertainment was really spectacular,” she said. “It really highlighted the diversity of Valley Stream.”

McNair said that the children’s area was more popular than in past years, and the car show was a “huge success.” She heard from several sources, she said, that the restaurants on Rockaway did better than in past years.

McNair said that her committee — a group of 11 volunteers from various backgrounds and skill sets — was happy to hear comments from residents and non-residents about “evidence of community spirit,” due partly to participation from many village clubs and organizations, religious institutions and local businesses.

“It was a cross-section of all aspects of community life,” McNair said.