New Hyde Park Street Fair - September 21, 2013

I looked out of the window this morning to see the rain coming down in sheets. Certainly not looking good for the Street Fair. I waited all year for the chance to get out and mingle with other NHP residents and shake hands and chat with the local politicians who usually turn out for this yearly event.  I also indulge myself with my yearly zeppole fix at one of the stands.  But it wasn't looking as though I would have a chance to enjoy the Fair this year.  And then the rain stopped and the sun came out.  It seemed as though God had anwered my prayers.  I got dressed and headed down to Jericho Turnpike.  I caught up with Angelo Ferrara and discussed some of my concerns with him and then headed down past the pickle vendors (I'd catch up with them on my way back).  I saw every breed of dog imaginable walking with their owners and enjoying the smell of the many different foods available at the stands.  Judging by the number of people buying mums at the Fair, I feel NHP is going to be very colorful this fall.  I then headed down to the petting zoo.  I saw the smiles on the children as they fed and petted the llamas, bunnies, tortoises, pigs, sheep and chickens.  Then the wind whipped up and created a scene out of the Wizard of Oz with the canopies from the merchants taking flight and the advertising on the tables blowing down the street.  People began running down Jericho Tpke. to help gather up these items. I was getting ready to leave since it was just about 4 o'clock when an announcement was made over the loudspeaker stating that the Fair would go until 5 pm due to the rain.  I then headed back to the pickle vendor and picked up 1/2 gallon of mixed pickles -- the half sour, green and dill -- one better than the next.  All in all, it was a great day.  I had my zeppoles, my pickles and marked the end of another summer.  I'll be back next September for my zeppoles and pickles.