Veterans to host Spring Festival at Wantagh Station on June 18

"Just like two points define a line, two festivals define a tradition." So says Ken Kelly, commander of American Legion Post #1273 of Wantagh on the eve of the Post's Second Annual Spring Festival at Wantagh Station this Father's Day.

The tradition started last year as a fundraising event for the Post and various veteran's charities. But the fun nature of the event has Legion members insisting that the one-time festival should become an annual event.

"We had a really good showing last year," Kelly said. "And people attending the event told us they had a fun time and asked us how often do we do this. Well, we thought, I don't know about doing this two or three times a year, but we can certainly handle it once a year."

The event is a pretty big undertaking, Kelly explained. The Legion has recruited close to 100 craft & merchandise vendors for the event. They signed up six food trucks, a showmobile from the town of hempstead and a bevy of children's bouncies and slides. And then there's at least 30 classic cars expected to be on display at the event.

"It's a lot of work, but when the day comes, it's a party," Legion member Ray Cody said. "That's when we see all the fruits from our labor. Seeing people gather like this makes you think the community deserves to have this every year."

The Wantagh Spring Festival takes place at the Wantagh Train Station along Sunrise Highway from Beech Street to Oakland Avenue from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free.