Mam'k Village Harbor Fest Expands To Two Days in May

by Judy Silberstein

(March 5, 2009) “Change is in the air” for Mamaroneck’s Village as its annual historic street fair is transformed into a two-day harbor fest on May 16 and 17 for 2009. The event had grown so large over the past couple of years, “it’s taken on a life of itself,” explained Jennifer Graziano, co-chair of the event and also president of the Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce. With the huge amount of preparation, funds and volunteer participation, it became clear “that we needed to go more than the one-day 6-hour stretch.”

“In growing the number of days, we are also growing the number of attractions, vendors and performers,” said Ms. Graziano. Last year, police estimate attendance at 20,000. This year, with its expanded format, fair organizers are expecting an even larger crowd.

To make room for more activities, vendors, performers, and visitors, the event has moved from Mamaroneck Avenue to Harbor Island Park, where it will be able to spread along the water and over three grassy fields. Arts and crafts, two entertainment stages, the food court and vendors and will be arranged across the fields parallel to the the Boston Post Road. The Children’s Village will be on the lawn and will feature games, arts and crafts and safety information. “We’re really expanding the children’s area,” said Ms. Graziano.

In addition to the fair, there will be shopping and dining events along Mamaroneck Avenue throughout the weekend. Ms. Graziano is working with the merchants to plan special promotions.

Some things will remain the same: the festival will still pay tribute to Mamaroneck’s history, with antique photographs and memorabilia on display and costumed actors representing significant individuals from the past. There will be a Coast Guard vessel and two tall ships. The Maritime Pirates will perform for the children on the shore of the beach.

The fair will go from 10 am to 9 pm on Saturday, May 16. But the welcome ceremony, rather than coming at the very beginning, will occur at 6 pm on Saturday and will be followed by a headline concert that starts at 7 pm.

On Sunday, the fair will open at 10 am and close after a final concert at 6 pm. The entertainment lineup will feature local talent from previous years, such as The Reunion Band and Burr Johnson Band, plus Chris Brown & the Bookends Band, The Doug Munro Band, solo artist Sarah Chesler, and many others. Younger visitors will have their own entertainment.

“It’s our goal that both Saturday and Sunday be equally packed with entertainment,” said Ms. Graziano.

Organizers are still recruiting additional volunteers, entertainers and vendors. More details and contact information can be found at Mamaroneck Harbor Fest.

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