Smithtown Festival Day

On Sunday, June 5th, the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Smithtown Festival Day.

It was a beautiful day for the event, as approximately 325 vendors lined up to advertise their businesses and services, and chat with the parade of onlookers, potential customers, and those just out to enjoy a leisurely stroll on Main St.

According to Barbara Franco, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, this is the 33rd
time the event has taken place on Main St. in Smithtown. It is the 16th time she has been actively involved with organizing the festival. According to Ms. Franco, “The festival is all about supporting local businesses.”

Entertainment was provided by the Sara Jean Dance Studio, Musicology, the Nesaquake Middle School Orchestra and others. Many sponsors stepped up to support the event, including Orangetheory, Acupuncture Wellness Services and Helping Hearts at Home.

Many of the participants were small businesses, while others represented large companies, such as State Farm and LeafFilter.

One vender, Green Eyed Chick, owned by Eva Pere, a retired teacher, was operating a booth to display her hand-crafted jewelry. This is the second time she has purchased space at the event and mentioned she participates with other venues as well.

Musicology, located on Main St., was also represented at the event. This was the 10th or eleventh time they have participated in the festival. They also provided entertainment, as is their custom. 

No festival would be complete without bounce inflatables. There were several for the children to choose from, all set up on Bank St., adjacent to Main St. Also, there were ample eateries, from gyros, hotdogs, lemonade and pretzel stands, to sidewalk seating offered by Napper Tandy’s Restaurant.

Patrick Bell, representing the Victorian Fence Company, has been setting up at the fair for the past ten years. “It’s well worth it, we typically get a good response with people stopping by and talking to us,” explained Patrick.

Several elected officials had booths set up, including Congressman Lee Zeldin and State Senator Mario Mattera. Senator Mattera was present at the event, greeting and shaking hands with visitors.

Venders pay a fee to set up a booth at the festival. One vender volunteered that the fee was $225 to set up a small booth.

Other participants at the festival included Sara Jean Dance Company, Helping Hearts at Home, Smithtown Animal Shelter, Senior Options, The Legion of Mary, Freedom Landscaping, the Smithtown Youth Bureau, Happy Tails Dog Rescue and dozens of others. 

There appeared to be a strong turnout for the festival, lots of smiles, a fun way to get the summer season underway.