SpringFest a Smash in Lindenhurst

Spring is in the air in Lindenhurst. Plants are blooming, the sun is shining...and the Oreos are in the deep fryer.

Yes, the scents of fried goodies and sounds of folks enjoying the beautiful weather meant SpringFest once again descended on the village, shrouding it in a carnival atmosphere.

The yearly festival is held on Wellwood Avenue, attracting those who want to enjoy some music, buy a knick-knack and have a good time.

The event – which took place at the turn of April to – is a result of hard work by the Lindenhurst Chamber of Commerce and scores of volunteers, setting, cleaning and lining up vendors. Those looking to sell a few things and promote their businesses pay a fee to participate.

"All the monies go toward enhancing the commerce in our community, to get them to network together," said.

Not only did commerce come together, so did residents. Families enjoyed many activities: a funhouse, giant slide, charity dunk tank, live parrots, classic cars, plus a concert from 1950s band The Clusters, featuring Lindy’ Paulie Gee on vocals. The also .

"It's a great event; we're very pleased with the sunshine," Chamber member Carol Aliperti said. "Thousands of people come through here ; it's the first event of spring that starts off all these fairs across Long Island… Every year it's a success."

SpringFest was expected to raise more than $10,000 for the village, and the plethora of people went a long way toward reaching the goal.

Lindenhurst Kiwanis also raised money peddling pretzels to help children needing a scholarship or trip to summer camp.

"[Business was] very good, great; we're having a great day out here with the community," Kiwanis Secretary Angela Petri said.

The pretzels were part of a spread of food – from hot sausage and corn dogs to cheesesteaks, plus a dessert truck that fried everything from candy bars to Twinkies – that kept families fueled.

Rainbow Rosie the Clown was also there to pain some faces.

"I'm enjoying the day; business has been great. I live in Lindenhurst so this is very dear to my heart," Rosie said.