Any day that starts with the Catholic War veterans presenting colors as Honor Guard, and the National Anthem performed beautifully by a local student and a young trumpet soloist, is a great day. It certainly set the stage for what was about to happen as well.
The Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce hosted their first Community Fair and Music Festival on Horseblock Road in Centereach this past Saturday, April 30.
This event was made possible by partnering with the Elks Club, Connect Church, and The Town of Brookhaven Parks to permit the Chamber use of their property. The Elks Club was a key component because they were able to serve as the beer (and wine) Garden Host, which added a nice little something extra for the many people who came out to listen to the bands.
On a sunny day, with cold drinks in hand, and country line dancing forming in the parking plot, there was no place anyone in attendance would have rather been.
“The Chamber cannot thank every single one of you enough for coming down and making our 1st Community Fair and Music Festival a roaring success,” Middle Country Community Fair & Music Festival wrote on their Facebook page. “We have so many volunteers and sponsors to also thank for their work and support.”
To add to the outdoor concert experience, there were a number of food truck vendors. Having survived a global pandemic was one thing; being able to enjoy life during the warm weather season is another thing entirely.
The vendor and craft fair was also in full swing on the adjacent Town Park property. Many local vendors were selling their wares of jewelry, crafts, toys and other products.
Local organizations were amongst the vendors promoting the many community groups such as schools, sports and charities. Then there were many local businesses sprinkled throughout who contributed to the overall success of the day by offering sponsorships. Towards the back of the park on the brand new turf field, a DJ laid down the beat for fun activities the whole family could enjoy.
This was an inaugural event, but felt like something that’s been a part of the community for years. They took advantage of large gatherings being back, and in the safest way possible.
The Elks Club location and choice of bands, Southbound and Easy Street, were just the beginning of what this community has to offer in terms of entertainment. Southbound’s lead singer, Lou Lomangino, is a chorus teacher of many years in the Middle Country School District, while many members of Easy Street live in the Centereach and Selden area.
Interested in additional photos? They can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/2022CommunityFair.
Be on the lookout for the next music festival that pops up in and around your neighborhood. We will be there, and we hope you are too!
