Floral Park, Stewart Manor gear up for street fair

The Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce is set to host its 16th annual street fair Oct. 16, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chamber president Cathy Grasman says the blocks between Cisney and Tulip avenues along Covert Avenue will be transformed into a carnival-like atmosphere.

“We want to introduce people to Covert merchants I don’t want to take away from my merchants,” said Grasman, who, with her husband Scott, owns Jo-Mar Jo-Mar Grooming and Boarding Pet Boutique, located at 1 Covert Ave.

Grasman runs the street fair with Covert Avenue Chamber co-vice presidents Anna McCarthy and Anne Musso.

There are 47 active members in the Chamber, most of who will be set up at a table or tent outside of their store or office. Local merchants offer special incentives on the day of the fair, such as 50 percent off products or services, Grasman said.

The fair will also have entertainment. Ten inflatable rides will be set up along the Stewart Manor side of Covert Avenue, from Cisney Avenue down to the Stewart Manor Fire Department. Antique car owners will be invited to show off their cars in a designated area near Tulip Avenue. Live bands, singers and dancers will be on hand to entertain guests.

The Stewart Manor and Floral Park fire departments will work together to promote fire safety With a mobile smoke house in front of the Stewart Manor Fire Department.

Additionally, Jo-Mar recently donated space in its building to Rescue Ink, an army of tattooed, motorcycle-riding street guys who have zero tolerance for animal abuse and neglect. Representatives from Rescue Ink, who are dedicated to educating and informing children and families about the mistreatment of animals, will have a table set up in front of Jo-Mar to celebrate the grand opening of their new space.

The Chamber of Commerce spent the year planning the fair’s events. Last year’s street fair drew a crowd of more than of 2,000 people. “I’m hoping for even more this year,” Grasman said.

Marilou Giammona is a freelance writer.