Ronkonkoma Street Fair attracts thousands

The aroma of empanadas, shish kebabs, pizza, calzones, gyros and sausages filled the air Sunday, as thousands of people shopped vendors selling items such as handmade jewelry, clothing, hats and toys at  the sixth annual Ronkonkoma Street Fair.

“It has grown so much from the 5,000 people we had the first year,” said Sandy Weber, vice president of the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored the event. She estimated more than 10,000 attended the one-day event along Hawkins Avenue.

Michael Fici, of Ronkonkoma, said he attends every year. “We love to see the community come together," he said, "and we absolutely love the food.”

The fair also had live music, and for the first time a mobile blood donation center.

Proceeds raised from the event will be used to beautify the hamlet of Ronkonkoma, Weber said.

Photo: Victoria Soyka, 4, of Ronkonkoma, shows off a temporary tattoo Sunday, during the Ronkonkoma Street Fair. (Sept. 4, 2011)