For Edy Dalto, the Glen Cove Street Fair is more than an afternoon of pony rides, food and shopping. Walking through downtown brings her back to the Glen Cove of her childhood — and now gives her a chance to share the city with another generation.
Dalto, who grew up in Glen Cove and now lives in Glen Head, attends the annual fair with her grandchildren. Her grandson Giovanni Dalto, 5, looks forward to the pony rides and the bounce houses.
“It reminds me of the days when I was a child, going and spending time with my friends, walking through the village, going shopping when Woolworth’s was there, or stopping at Henry’s for some ice cream,” Dalto said. “It just, it brings back great memories, childhood memories since I grew up in Glen Cove.”
The street fair will return Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., bringing vendors, food, live music and children’s activities to the city’s downtown.
The event, organized by the Glen Cove Special Events Committee in partnership with Nassau County Fairs, will take place on Glen and School streets and in Village Square. Organizers expect close to 100 vendors, similar to recent years. Last year, more than 90 vendors lined Glen Street as thousands of visitors came downtown throughout the day.
Roni Jenkins, the city’s public relations representative and director of the Special Events Committee, said the street fair has roots stretching back to the 1970s, although there have been gaps over the years. In recent years it has been held in the fall.
“It’s a full day of family fun,” Jenkins said.
Vendors will include those selling jewelry, crafts and handmade artisanal goods, along with food trucks. Children’s activities will include pony rides, a petting zoo and a bounce castle. Hometown favorites the Jam Brothers, featuring Danny and David Jimenez, will perform from noon to 3 p.m.
This year’s fair will also coincide with the Deep Roots Farmers Market in Village Square, giving visitors another reason to spend the day downtown. The market will feature fresh produce, baked goods and other items.
Jenkins said that organizers hope visitors will venture beyond the fair and patronize downtown businesses. “We also encourage everybody to come and participate in our Glen Cove Downtown Business District,” she said. “Shop the stores, visit the restaurants, do a little shopping.”
Angela Stanco-Stone has experienced the Street Fair from both sides. Before joining the board of the Special Events Committee, she participated as a vendor with her business, How Can I Help Elder Care.
Stanco-Stone said that organizing an event of this size is a collaborative effort, with committee members contributing their own ideas before everything comes together.
“When you have a good group of people, it actually just comes together,” she said. “It’s a great event, and I’m looking forward to another wonderful day bringing our community together.”
The committee operates through donations, volunteers and fundraising conducted throughout the year. Those efforts, Jenkins said, allow the group to offer community events and attractions such as live music and children’s activities.
“It’s our give-back,” she said. “This allows us to give back to our community by being able to host events like this and offering a bounce castle and free live music for families to enjoy.”
For Dalto, the community aspect is part of what keeps her coming back. Along with spending time with her grandchildren, she often encounters people she has known since childhood who still live in Glen Cove.
“I have childhood friends, and I run into them during the street fair, It’s a very nice feeling.” She said. “Walking the streets of Glen Cove, and now I’m with another generation. This just brings back such great memories.”
Stanco-Stone said that mix of attractions and community is what has helped make the Street Fair a draw year after year. “There will be plenty of vendors, lots of great food, activities for the kids, entertainment, and so much more,” she said. “There’s truly something for everyone.”
Vendor applications remain open through Sept. 18. Free parking for the fair will be available in the Brewster Street and Pulaski Street parking garages.
