LiPOPUP's Long Island Nostalgia Fest draws hundreds to relive the '90s
Nolan Marlow of InstarampNY performed a trick at the Long Island Nostalgia Fest in Mineola Saturday. Credit: Newsday/Kendall Rodriguez
Blaring boom boxes, skateboarders gliding down a half pipe, the unmistakable opening riff of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit," and no shortage of flannel shirts brought the 1990s roaring back to Wilson Park in Mineola Saturday.
Hundreds flocked to the park for the final day of LiPOPUP's Long Island Nostalgia Fest, which featured plenty of activities and vendors paying tribute to an analog era of landline telephones, mixtapes and memories.
"It's the last era that was completely unplugged," organizer Grace Kelly said. "For kids, they don't know what that was actually like and for us, it's remembering a time before cellphones."
Charlie Grippaldi, of Franklin Square, and Holly Solomon, of Bethpage, sifted through old CDs on display. Credit: Newsday/Kendall Rodriguez
The celebration of '90s pop culture, from Tamagotchi toys to Blockbuster video, was on full display at Saturday's event.
"I wasn't even alive in the '90s, but the music is pretty peak," said Sarina Policastro, 18, of Stony Brook, who showed off a Tool CD she scored from a vintage shop vendor. "There's a lot of stuff that we've come really far in politically, people's rights. So I'm glad I can experience the good parts of it. Because the vibes were so good."
Or, at least so she's heard. The festival was a way for Policastro and her mom, Jenna Brooks, 49, to bond over their shared love of '90s culture and music.
Brooks, decked out in platform boots and a flannel tied around her waist, said the throwback theme is continuing this summer, as the pair plans to see several '90s artists including Collective Soul, Counting Crows and The Offspring.
"I'm really excited that the '90s held up," Brooks said. "The styles came back."
Lots of attendees spent the afternoon reminiscing about an unplugged life.
Anjulee Baroni, of Holbrook, and Alexis Jamoutte, of Little Neck, shopped at Andy's Thrift Shop for collectibles. Credit: Newsday/Kendall Rodriguez
Anjulee Baroni, 25, of Holbrook, was shopping for vintage band T-shirts and said the festival brought back childhood memories.
"It reminds you of when you were younger," she said. "You can just relive it for a minute."
Perusing a display of VHS tapes, Eddie Epsick, 56, of Lynbrook, said thinking about the '90s on Long Island brought him right back to the heyday of dance clubs.
"I frequented all of them," he said with a smile, adding that he liked life better then.
"People were nicer," Epsick said.
The nostalgia also stretched beyond fashion and music to sounds and experiences.
"I can literally hear the sound of the AOL dial up, and it brings me back," said Devon Cortes, 43, of Glen Head.
"Or having to call your friend's house and speak to their mom," added her husband, Byron, 43.
Others relived the era through signature scents, like Bath & Body Works' Cucumber Melon or Cool Water by Davidoff infused into candles made by Susan DiMaria, 42, of Queens.
"I automatically think of a mushroom haircut and a boy band," she said, joking that the scented candles evoke "either good memories or mistakes."
All hailed the decade as a simpler time.
"There was a lot less social pressure," DiMaria said. "You were able to be you. You went home when the street lights went on."
The festival was slated to wrap up Saturday evening with tribute bands covering Weezer and No Doubt and a fireworks show.
