No Summer Bummer

After a summer of controversy it turned out to be more street fair than street fight after all.

Massapequa Park's summer festival went on as schedule despite a fight over control of the event.

 The Village of Massapequa Park took over sponsorship this year after refusing to give funding to the Massapequa Park Merchant's Association, who've sponsored a similar street fair in the past.

"It's a beautiful fair," said Village mayor James Altadonna as he viewed the scene on Park Blvd. "It's the largest fair we've had and more importantly, it's a friendly, caring atmosphere, and everyone's supporting local merchants."

Most people said the fair felt about the same as it did in past years.  Although some said they felt that putting booths on Front Street as well as Clark Boulevard eased congestion.

"I think it's better," said Michelle Jannello as she watched her son Joseph take a Tae- Kwan-Do lesson at one of the booths. "I like where they put the animals and the pony rides."

A petting zoo and the pony rides were one of the attractions to be found on Front Street, where Diana Albert was helping her 2-year-old daughter Annabelle feed goats.

"The petting zoo was a nice touch," Diana said. "Feeding the animals was the best part for her. For me it was a lot of shopping."

There were vendors of all types hawking crafts, jewelry, collectibles  and other items. 

It was a shoppers paradise for Karen Callow, who came with her husband Tim and their 7-year-old daughter Carley.

"We live right in the park and we support our merchants," she said. "It's something we look forward to every year. I like the jewelry, Carley likes the rides and my husband likes the beer."

Many merchants set up tables outside their businesses  and several restaurants allowed customers to sample their dishes. 

"We've got blue point oysters, we've got bangers and mash," said Pete Mangoranes, owner of The Good Life,  one of Park Boulevard's newest restaurants. "I think it's going to really help us advertise. The village has really been great. Everything we've asked for, they've been more than accommodating."

The range of things available was so wide, that Denise Collins did everything you'd associate with a street fair and one thing you wouldn't.

"My 2-year-old went on rides, we bought some jewelry, got some food and we made an appointment with the dentist."

Dr. Jeanine Pistilli of Adelberg Montalvan pediatric dentistry  was on hand to hand out toothbrushes to children.

"It's a nice venue to get out in the community and do some education," she said.

Her colleague Dr. Marc Bennet, said they were trying to urge residents to bring children to be checked by a dentist before age one.

Most merchants said they were happy to participate, although one shopkeeper complained about having to pay a fee for a license to set up sidewalk display.

Altadonna said the festival helps solidify the local economy. "It brings people to Park Boulevard, and reminds them what we have here," he said.

"This is small town America. Massapequa Park is small town America and as a community we support each other."