The streets of Sea Cliff will come alive once more with music, artistry, and food, as thousands are expected to enjoy the 53rd annual Kiwanis Sea Cliff Mini Mart on Sunday, Oct. 5.
Mini Mart, held on the first Sunday in October and scheduled this year for Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., has become a hallmark of the North Shore. The event annually attracts more than 12,000 visitors to Sea Cliff Avenue, where over 200 retail vendors and artisans showcase a wide range of handcrafted goods, original artwork, specialty items, and unique retail finds for holiday shopping.
It is one of the biggest fundraisers for North Shore Kiwanis, a chapter of Kiwanis International that has served the community for over 55 years. Its mission is to improve the lives of children through service projects, scholarships, and partnerships with local nonprofits.
Kiwanis President Chris Salmon described the day as having a festival atmosphere. “People love it, being there, walking up and down the streets, seeing the vendors,” the 70-year-old Glen Cove resident said, explaining between the music, food, and beverage options for attendees in various locations, “the whole day is like a big party.”
The origins of the Mini Mart date back to 1964, when then–Mayor Edward Stiles sought to put Sea Cliff “on the map” as an arts destination. Resident and artist Madeline Kle organized “A Square Mile of Art,” which drew thousands and established Sea Cliff’s reputation as a creative, welcoming community.
When the growing fair became difficult to manage, the North Shore Kiwanis Club stepped in to help. Since then, Kiwanis, partnering with the Village, has kept this beloved tradition thriving for over five decades. “We're hoping for good weather and good spirits,” Salmon said, “as we've always had in the past.”
Mayor Elena Villanfane wrote in a press release that Mini Mart “is one of our village’s most cherished traditions,” and added that “It brings neighbors together, supports local artists and businesses, and showcases the spirit of community that makes Sea Cliff so special.”
A complimentary shuttle bus will run continuously from Tappan Beach between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., during the day stopping at both Prospect and Carpenter Avenues. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this service. The combination of narrow streets, vendor setups, and large crowds is why according to organizers, dogs are not permitted at the event, except trained service animals.
The event takes volunteers months of organizing and preparation. “There's just a very good vibe around the mini mart,” Lisa Larsen Hill, mini mart event planner and volunteer for the past nine years, said. She emphasized the importance of showcasing local businesses and artisans during the fair. “It's a festival with a purpose,” the 69-year-old added, “It's not just a street fair.”
Hill’s husband, Roger, echoed his wife’s sentiments; the 74-year-old described Mini Mart as a great community event with a “definitive purpose,” adding that “once you get there, no matter where you live, you’ll keep coming back.”
Proceeds from the event enable North Shore Kiwanis to sustain several of its community programs, such as its Klothes/Koats/Kicks for Kids, which provides clothing and sneakers for children in need; the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center which offers critical support for children’s health; the Kamp Kiwanis for Children, a summerlong camp for kids and adults; scholarships for local students and partnerships with organizations like the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Mama’s House, and NOSH, serving families with food and care.
North Shore Kiwanis Board member Doug Barnaby has attended every Mini Mart since 1972. The 83-year-old explained that the event evolved from a craft-focused fair to a more commercial and social gathering over the decades.
“It's becoming more of a happening than it was years ago,” Barnaby said, “it became a merchandise exchange type of thing, as opposed to people selling their handmade items.”
Despite the change, however, Barnaby still remains steadfast in his love for the annual fair. “It's nice for the community to get together and just meander around the different booths and see what they have to offer," he said, “buy a hot dog or a hamburger or get a soda, a beer. It's just a fun day.”
