The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores celebrated its street festival's 25th anniversary at the 25th Annual Bellmore Family Street Festival Saturday.
The festival is being held at the Bellmore LIRR station and along Bedford and Pettit Avenues Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event offers 130 first-rate exhibits and attractions in a 25-square block area.
"Thank you for shopping in Bellmore," Hempstead Town Clerk Mark Bonilla, said during the opening ceremony. "This is the best street fair in this area."
Bonilla introduced Miss Long Island Teen Sabrina Mastrangelo, 15, of Bellmore to the crowd. "I think that the street fair is amazing," she said. "I just walked through it a little last year."
County Legislator Dave Denenberg announced - to loud applause - that in celebration of the 25th anniversary, Sept. 17, 2011 will be "Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores Day."
By noon Saturday, more than 500 people were at the festival enjoying food, rides, local vendors and beautiful weather.
Jessica Thiarello, 15, of Commack said that it was her first year attending the festival. She came with her aunt who had a jewelry booth. "I love it,"she said. There is a lot of stuff here and it reminds me of a carnival. I want to go on some rides and buy some jewelry."
Joanne Welsh of Farmingdale has worked at the festival for 24 years. She was dressed up as the sun and gave out pamphlets on Built Well Solar Corp of Bellmore. "The weather is beautiful and it is a pleasure to be a part of it,"she said. "It is great for the whole community."
Dennis Strube has attended the festival for 22 years. He said he loves the Cajun pickle tent."I have a lot of fun each year," he said. "I just like to walk up and down and talk to people."
The day was going well for local street vendors also.
Angela Villarico, owner of Teacher's Tools, an educational material and supplies store, had a crowd around her booth filled with children's books and learning toys. "I love the street festival," she said. "It is great exposure for me. I have a lot of of things here for parents and kids. "
Villarico said that one of the things she loves the most about the festival is the food. "The pretzel man is there and the funnel cake guy is over there," she laughed. "So, no complaints."
It was Seth Meyerowitz's first year having a tent at the festival. Meyerowitz is the owner of UBE, an online marketing company located in Bellmore. "It's exciting to be a part of something like this," he said. "I will be able to teach people how to grow their business."
Stay tuned for a photo gallery of the 25th Annual Bellmore Family Street Festival Monday.
