RSS 2.0 FeedAugust 19, 2011, Merrick Life
Merrick Festival ‘falls’ later this year
This year's event to honor our American heroes.
The 2011 Merrick Chamber of Commerce will host its 21st Annual Fall Festival on October 22 and 23, later in the season than usual but that’s not a bad thing.
“I think pushing the date back to late October will be a benefit, there aren’t many local festivals going on at the same time,” said event Co-Chair Ira Reiter. “Having the festival that weekend also gives the chamber of commerce the chance to hold our popular Halloween parade at the same time as our biggest event of the year.”
So save the date, spread the word, send out the e-vites and meet your friends, family and neighbors at the Merrick Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival. Carnival rides by Newton Shows will be open Friday, October 21, at 6 p.m. in the Long Island Rail Road station parking lot. Merrick Avenue will be closed to traffic from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, October 22 and 23.
“Like last year, we will be spotlighting local Merrick businesses and services throughout the weekend and hosting a variety of professional crafters along with food from around the world. Those that want to join the chamber, get a free booth space as part of their membership benefits package,” said Randy Shotland, the group’s president.
“This year we will also be honoring our American heros from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, veterans, police, firefighters and EMS workers. We will have a special tribute to these men and women on Saturday, October 22, at 11 a.m. with our elected officials and board members to kick off the festival,” added Mr. Shotland.
Closer to the festival dates, a schedule of events and entertainment will be available in your local newspaper, online and at www.merrickchamber.org. Interested businesses can also get festival and membership applications online.
The Chamber of Commerce is an all-volunteer organization that sponsors numerous events year-round in the Merricks. Funds raised from the Fall Festival support its Holiday Lights program as well as other beautification projects in the town’s shopping districts.
Other programs sponsored (co-sponsored) include Man and Woman of the Year, Merchant and Professional of the Year, Tree and Menorah Lightings, KidsFest, networking meetings and one of the largest chamber of commerce scholarship awards in the state. For more information call the chamber hotline at 771-1171, e-mail merrickchamber@aol.com, or visit the web at www.merrickchamber.org. You can also join its Facebook page, Merrick Chamber of Commerce, for updates and changes.
