Street Fair a great day for Manville
By:Mary Ellen Zangara
What a great day for the street fair! The weather was perfect, temperatures in the 70s, nice bright sunshine and lots of fun.
The street fair Sunday was just what Manville needed. After everything we’ve been through in the past, Manville has helped the community again.
Main Street was turned into a fun-filled walkway for everyone to enjoy. The fair officially started at 10 a.m. and when I arrived at 10:15, the street was already filled with people. There were many sights to see, and something for everyone.
My first stop was to see the members of the VFW. (I walked through their display to get onto Main Street.) Cmdr. Charlie Kletz and Past Cmdr. Doug Fallon were talking to bypassers and giving out pencils and rulers with the Pledge of Allegiance on them.
I started walking down the street by Fleet Bank. While walking looking for interesting photo ops, shopping, and socializing it took me 45 minutes just to go to the end of the displays.
Stopping to chat with Manville Business and Professional Association President Mary Tabbit and entering her drawing for a free makeover, she expressed how glad she was about the turn out for the fair.
"I even had about 20 people call since Monday that wanted to come today," referring to the exhibitors. Later I ran into Mary checking out all the exhibits – shopping! She had to see what was there, after all she made the arrangements.
The DARE program from the Manville Police Department was giving out different items to everyone also. The Babich family – Debby, Justin, Jessica and Greg – were talking with Kris Bujalski and receiving all the free stuff.
I stopped by to receive two white teddy bears with 2000 sweaters; one for Michael and one for my niece, Katie. Now I had to carry around all the free handouts along with my camera and notebook.
It’s a little hard to shop while you’re supposed to be working, but everyone who knows me knows I can do that very well. I spotted a little girl in a dress with her purple sunglasses looking at baskets with her brother at Gordon’s Sugar and Spice.
It was a photo I had to get. I asked permission from the mother and snapped away. Nowadays I ask before taking photos of little kids. They had the right idea, those baskets were only $1 each. People were all buying them.
Next stop was the booth from the A&P. Employees Rose Colatruglio and Donna Yombrick were giving out free drawing tickets for baskets filled with items along with coupons for free coffee and eggs in the store.
As they were saying "Free tickets" passerbys just looked until they realized it was free. Of course I filled out my tickets, but I didn’t get a call that I won. I did get the free eggs and coffee coupons.
It was now time to head to the dunk tank at Dunkin’ Donuts, where Mayor Corradino was going to try to raise money for Kristi Pope by having people put him in the water. Angelo was just getting in the tank and Denise Weaver threw her first ball, second ball. Guess who went in?
Denise threw again and got him in twice during her time up.
Another thrower was Martin Wierzba, manager of Pizzatina. The mayor was yelling at him, "He’s trying to get even for the election." Martin ran for mayor in November against him. Unfortunately, Martin didn’t have his chance to put Angelo in. But others did.
Crafts, clothes, flags, cars, flowers, jewelry and much more were lining the street. Local artist Cheri Moran displayed her artwork under a tent. She and husband, Frank, had the tent filled with Cheri’s paintings and drawings in pastels, oils, watercolors etc. Many of the pieces were originals and one of a kind. Frank is an avid Beanie Baby collector and was selling his collection of the popular animals.
Pierogies, kielbasi and kraut, clams, pretzels, lemonade, soda and water were also very popular. Many local groups participated to raise fund for their organizations.
Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Manville Youth Athletic League, Manville Music Parents, Manville-Hillsborough Elks, Ss. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, the Rescue Squad, Fire Department and others provided the food and drinks in hopes of raising money.
People came from all over to enjoy a nice day at the street fair. At times Main Street was so crowded you could not see across the street. Great for us – it was a success.
It was a success because of all the people from the MBPA who put the many hours of planning into it. They all get a great big pat on the back for a job well-done and for caring about the town.
Thanks for all your hard work to help improve our town. We look forward to next year’s street fair!
Mary Ellen Zangara is a lifelong resident of Manville.