Center Moriches fall fair back on Main

When the outside air chills to a crisp, residents know it’s time for the Center Moriches Fall Fair. But like everything else, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the chamber of commerce to put the beloved event on hold. Back on Main Street and better than ever, the event was held on Oct. 17.

“I have been doing this fair now for close to 15 years, and I was amazed at the turnout and the support we got from people that I believe came from not just Center Moriches, but all of our surrounding neighbor towns. I sold more of my items than I have ever sold and got to meet some old friends and some new ones. That is what I believe it is all about, seeing old friends and making new ones. “Thanks, chamber, for making this possible,” wrote Miriam Gilles, on behalf of Freedom Wood Designs, one of dozens of vendors who came out selling their wares.

Setting a lively tone for the event, “Time Warp” blared from the speakers at Artistic Choreography Dance Academy, and people were seen doing little jigs to themselves in honor of the song made famous by “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” a Halloween favorite. “Thriller” by Michael Jackson also played more than a handful of times.

Farther down the street, at a table adjacent to the fire department, the Center Moriches Library gave out inflatable swords and beach balls. They also brought a book bike, paid for by the Friends of the Library. The book bike provides children with their choice of free book. Titles ran the gamut, from famous favorites like “Chika Chika Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr., to lesser-known titles. Next to them, Helping Makes U Happy, a local nonprofit, gave out free, gently used Halloween costumes.

The Mastic-Shirley Lions Club came out in a caravan, selling cotton candy, water, and popcorn. For Bob Prevete, president of the club, being out in public again after the COVID-19 pandemic was a blessing.

“We haven’t done a fundraiser in almost two years and that’s how we make our money. So being here today is a blessing for sure,” he said.

Businesses throughout the Moriches, both established and new, also had booths. For many of them, the festival was a chance to meet would-be patrons.

“It’s an opportunity to meet people in town that we might not always see at the brewery,” said Rich Flynn, from the Moriches Field Brewing Company, who was there with Jonathan Hillman. They brought samples of porter and Oktoberfest on tap.

At some points, the Fall Fair seemed to double, as a pooch parade with dozens of adorable dogs strutted the street in their fall-themed best. Lola, a tiny breed, there with her human mom, Jeannie Smith, wore an orange and black jogging suite. Bella, a pit bull mix with hazel eyes, wore a perfectly-fall Burberry-themed vest.

Not only is the Fall Fair back—it’s more fashionable than ever, for pups and their human counterparts alike.