Thursday, October 1, 2026
As centennial fever takes hold in the Village of Valley Stream, the village has rolled out the merchandise to commemorate a century of growth, pride, and history.
From elegant to cute, village officials say the collection of centennial merchandise promises to delight locals, former residents, and memorabilia collectors alike.
But this isn’t your average “anniversary swag”—they are meant to serve as durable keepsakes and the centerpiece is none other than Congo the lion, named after the lion-shaped water fountain at the Arthur J. Hendrickson park pool. The lion has garnered local celebrity status enough that it has become the unofficial mascot of Valley Stream’s 100th anniversary.
For years, it’s been called ‘Leo’ until “resident village expert” and former Valley Stream Fire Chief Richie Sullivan dug up a newspaper article from the 1960’s that confirms the mascot’s original name was ‘Congo.’
“I stand corrected,” Mayor Fare admits, laughing. “I thought it was Leo, but after digging through archives, we found it was Congo the lion all along.” And let’s be honest—Congo has a far more adventurous ring to it, he said, evoking the spirit of the African savannah rather than a local service organization.
Congo’s plush likeness has now been immortalized in a series of centennial merchandise, including a keychain and a stuffed version complete with a commemorative T-shirt emblazoned with the anniversary logo. “We thought it would be cute to give out Congo the lion keychains at the pool or to kids who participate in our community programs,” he says. “It’s about creating new memories for the next generation.”
Mayor Ed Fare said the depth of the village’s centennial planning committee is evident. The committee, which has been meeting for nearly a year, sought input from the village historian, local residents, and even the Historical Society to craft a line of items that would resonate with both the young and the elderly.
“We wanted something that kids would love and that seniors could appreciate too,” the Mayor shared. The result? A diverse mix of commemorative products ranging from pens and keychains to tumblers and a commemorative coin.
Perhaps one of the most significant items of all is the limited-edition commemorative coin. The committee worked closely with merchandise producer Ed Roth to design the coin, with input from multiple stakeholders to create a piece that would capture the essence of the centennial celebration.
Fare said Roth presented five or six different version of the coin for the committee before taking their pick.
“We wanted something solid, something people would keep for years,” says Mayor Fare, clearly proud of the final result. At a hefty price of $10 per coin, the commemorative keepsakes are expected to be a hit, particularly when they’re distributed at the upcoming Centennial Dance Party on May 3. The event will feature a live band, food, and, of course, the coveted coin for attendees.
Also notable are the commemorative pens, which are already available for free, and the tumblers, which will debut at the village’s annual parade on September 27. These items will join other historical souvenirs handed out during the 50th and 75th anniversary celebrations.
In addition to the tangible merchandise, the Village is preparing a digital history book that will document the town’s rich past, with both a simplified version for quick distribution in the form a pamphlet and a more in-depth, digital version for those looking to dive deeper into Valley Stream’s 100-year story.
The Centennial Committee, composed of dedicated individuals like village historian Carol McKenna, historical society president Billy Florio, and many others, has worked to ensure that this celebration is truly reflective of the third largest village in the state. From the design of the merchandise to the planning of the events, Fare said it’s been nothing short of a team effort to ensure that every detail, no matter how small, contributes to a centennial celebration that will be remembered for years to come.
Fare believes residents and former residents should carry a moment of their village. “It’s about creating a sense of belonging,” he says. “People who grew up here or moved away still love this town, and these keepsakes offer a way to stay connected to Valley Stream, no matter where life takes them.”
Village employees will also be wearing a 100th anniversary pin as a conversation starter for residents to ask about where they can get their own centennial swag.
As the village gears up for the first major centennial event, demand for a piece of history is sure to be up. Alongside the Centennial Dance Party, the community will also cut the ribbon on a newly refurbished gazebo at the community center—one more reminder of Valley Stream’s enduring legacy. Residents can pick up merch at the Waldinger Memorial Library, village pool, or Village Hall.
If you’re lucky enough to be in town during the celebrations Fare urged not to forget to pick up your own piece of history. Congo the Lion is waiting.
Have an opinion on this article? Send an email to jlasso@liherald.com.
