Merrick Fall Festival Draws Thousands

Thousands came out to the Merrick Chamber of Commerce's 28th Annual Fall Festival this past weekend and enjoyed three days of food, rides and an array of vendors. 

"It's the biggest festival we had in 28 years," Randy Shotland, president of the Chamber of Commerce said. "We had the largest amount of vendors and everyone came out."

This year's event had more than 300 vendors and attractions such as a petting zoo, pony rides and tarot readings. 

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, people flooded Merrick Avenue and Sunrise Highway and listened to live music, shopped and ate succulent delights such as funnel cakes and candy apples.

Christine Schaefer enjoyed the festival with her boyfriend, Bob Engelhard. 

"We went to the one in Bellmore last week and this one is bigger," Schaefer said. "I loved the jewelry vendors." 

Engelhard said that he had a good time also. 

"It's a great fair," he said. "I live in Oceanside and I think they should have one too." 

The proceeds of the festival will fund the chamber's holiday lights program, in which lighted snowflakes are adorned throughout the business district, as well as other events and projects.

Shotland said that he hopes that the festival will encourage residents to shop within Merrick. 

"We want the community to give back by shopping locally," he said. "We want to keep our merchants around."