My Love/Hate Affair with the Street Fair

ARE WE GOING TO THE FAIR?

I have to go to the New Hyde Park street fair. Date Saturday September 21. Must go. Now that I am a retiree I am part of the community. I am connected with these folks in ways I never was when working. As I drive down the block I now know the folks walking by. I know the staffs of my Starbucks, Twin Park Health Club, Hillside Library as well as their clients and customers. I know dogs and their owners. I even know some neighbors. Only took 19 years. I see many of my fellow residents on my daily routines as well as in my scheduled activities. I ask Paul to accompany me for fair browsing. He agrees to go. Very reluctantly. Liam is a "no"  either too friendly, too scared. Paul asks a few times "why?" I know that trick. Wear down the spouse. And that does not deter me. We are going. The weather forecast is for clouds and sun. Fine. Our agreement is that we will go to the street fair then to Starbucks. This is a clever plan from Paul. Of course I will make quick work of the fair then to Starbucks.

LIAM LATTE LICKING

However weather intervenes with a shower, then a break, then a deluge producing street flooding. All quick and unexpected and also I suspect temporary. That is it. Paul is done with the street fair. "It is a rainy day, the storms have come 10 hours early. The vendors will be going home and packing up." Hmmm. I don't think hundreds of vendors are going to run. They are in place. No matter. Paul is done. Onward to Starbucks. I will go to the street fair alone.

   

And I do. I will know people.  I plan to park in the Twin Park lot
see link
https://www.facebook.com/twinparkfitness
walk down and approach from the western end.







The fair occupies Jericho Turnpike from New Hyde Park Road to Covert Avenue (Dunkin Donuts landmark) I bring a tote in which to place my purchases. I do not really think I'll be buying. You see it is all too much for me. So much sensory input. But let's see how it goes.

I enter to a show of shawls, pocketbooks, beaded jewelry, hanging scarves interspersed with food and shouting politicians, realtors and community activists. I feel on overload already. There is a wicked whippy wind and my expertly layered hair is hitting me across the face at every place possible. Whenever I brush a strand away I am handed a brochure, announcement or schedule.

A COLLECTION OF HANDOUTS FROM THE NHP STREET FAIR

Many colors, smells and sounds. Too many carriages, some the size of mini coopers. Too many groups strolling side by side causing me to step aside often...Liam would not do well at this street fair. He jumps on people. He does not step aside.

NO EYE CONTACT HEAD DOWN, STREET FAIR MODE

I see two folks I know but each is engaged in a conversation. I stop and try to make eye contact. I am out of context. Eyes go through me. That's okay. Let it be. I really want to locate my health club table and say hi. I see the pickle vendors. I want a pickle on a stick but the lines are too long. Never had a pickle on a stick. That pleasure will have to wait. I see the petting zoo and the ancient tortoise makes its way towards me at a quick pace. Really? I thought they are slow. The wind captures store ads and food wrappers. The street is littered. I step on and begin to slide on an oily zeppole wrapper. Though adding oily is redundant. Only my practiced yoga balance poses keep me upright as I fall forward then back and helicopter my body upright again. The shock of almost falling shakes me up. Halfway through and I have not bought a thing.

It is an event. Huge. Got to get out. I reach the end... the horses are gone and have left some fragrant deposits. Maybe Liam should have come. He is home wondering and waiting. Anticipating some food fair smells. See following You Tube
I walk back to the gym. It is deserted. The staff is at the fair at their designated table. I knew it. Walked right by them. Never connected. Alone on the treadmill in an empty gym while thousands are a few blocks away.

Love/ hate affair with the street fair is over for this year at least in NHP. 

LIAM AND MY SHADOW SHOOTING PIC

I feel like I supported the community. I was one of few who took all the handouts. And shook hands with the politicians I did not litter. I did not fall and crack my head open. I took pix.
I am publicizing them. Even though I did not eat a pickle, buy a scarf, take a chance on a raffle; I am participating in my own way by talking about it blah blah blog...Liam and Paul stayed home. Neither looked too sorry. Next year both guys are joining in. And I will find my gym's table and help a few vendors with a purchase or two.

LIAM IN CHAIR IN BACK

Woof, Woof