By Hector Flores
Carnival rides are scheduled to start on Sept. 18, from 6 to 11 p.m., and will be open each day of the fair. The rides can be found between Sunrise Highway and the Long Island Rail Road station in Bellmore.
Also appearing on Thursday will be master illusionist Lance Gifford. Gifford is scheduled to perform through Sunday.
Festival Coordinator Joni Caputo said the chamber will provide activities and events for those of all ages.
The Sports Expo will have six events. New York Islander fans will get the chance to meet former Islander great Bobby Nystrom. Visiting from Brooklyn will be the Cyclones baseball team. Wrestling fans will be given a demonstration by the Sprig Gardner Wrestling Club and the NYWC Pro Wrestlers. Football lovers will have the chance to try out the New York Jets exhibit and see the New York Dragons arena football team.
There will be a military expo, where representatives of the Coast Guard, Navy, New York National Guard and Veterans of the Vietnam War will be available to answer questions. There will also be two displays, including Army jeeps and equipment and the Civil Air Patrol exhibit.
One of the festival's most popular events is the arts and crafts fair, where representatives from over 100 handicraft vendors and dealers will showcase their products. Shoppers will be able to buy wood items, dried florals, wind chimes, jewelry, stained glass and lawn ornaments.
For the first time, animal lovers will be given their own event at the festival, in which Labrador retrievers, Rottweilers, greyhounds, golden retrievers, parrots, ferrets and more animals will take part.
Special discounts are available, such as pay-one-price children's rides. "This is just a way for the chamber to promote its businesses and give something back to the community," said Caputo.
For additional information, call the festival hotline at (516) 679-1875.
