Lynbrook Expo a Success 22 Years Running

Greis Park hosted an annual Lynbrook tradition this past Saturday -- the Lynbrook Expo, a community event that brings together local residents and businesses in a day of fun fit for the entire family.

The expansive grounds of Greis Park were filled with craft tables and inflatable rides for the kids, as well as tables set up by local vendors selling their assorted wares. In addition, live music and food were also available, as were exhibits of local police and coast guard equipment.

Carol Burak, coordinator of the Lynbrook Expo, said that the long-standing event is something that is sure to continue for years to come.

"The expo has been going on for 22 years," she said. "It was a division of the former trustee Bill Hendrick, who is now the mayor. He had this idea that the community should come together, services should be provided for them, and this basically is what happens."

Burak pointed out how the expo has evolved with the times, a contributing factor in its success.

"Over the years we've added vendors, we've added rides for the children," she said. "We also have Zumba lessons, we have refreshments ... it's really a community of volunteers, most of them local businesses. We have quite a few stores in the Village of Lynbrook itself, and if they're members of the Chamber of Commerce, they get a spot for free."

"We also have outside people come from as far away as Pennsylvania, and they keep coming back every year," she added.

The annual event typically draws between 2,000 and 3,000 people between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Joanne Mirenda of the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter had a number of dogs and cats on display for adoption.

"We had a great turnout this year," she said. "I think we have a few applications on some animals, so that's a plus. We have a beautiful German Shepard and she has two or three applications, and some people are interested in some of our cats, so if everything goes well, they'll have a Forever Home after today."

Guy Smith and his friends of Company H of the 119th New York State Historical Volunteers Association, were decked out in Civil War-era regalia and answering the questions of excited kids all afternoon.

"We’re asked every year to come and to talk to people about Civil War history," he said. "We represent an actual regiment that was from Long Island, an actually company of about 100 men from Hempstead, and we do first-person impressions of the actual individuals and programs at schools and colleges."

One of the many vendors present at the Expo was Jody Gavin of Valley Stream, whose business, Crochets by Jody, was booming.

"Its hand-made crochet, anything from baby blankets to sweaters to ponchos to little knickknacks," she said. "I've been coming to the Lynbrook Expo for five years now, and this has been the best year so far ... great turnout, lots of traffic, and good sales. I'll be here next year for sure!"