Farmingdale's Columbus Weekend Fair was, as it is annually, an uplifting occasion that brought people out of their homes and stores and into the streets of the village's central business district. Local restaurateurs hardly had time for a lunch break as they served up, and showed off, their culinary specialties on the sidewalks outside their storefronts. Customers were not scarce, as many eateries complain they usually are during a routine day. Other Main Street merchants, too, got some extra business, as crowds passed through the craft market looking for good buys. The carnival, live music, magic show and parade were added attractions, especially for the children who, in a sense, are the heart of Farmingdale.

To local residents who brought their family and friends to the event, pride in community was not a just a good feeling reserved for some other town. It was theirs.

The fair, organized by the Farmingdale Fire Department, was so successful, we recommend more of its kind. Although Columbus Day comes only once a year, and an event of this magnitude takes an enormous amount of coordination to pull off, certainly smaller, but similar festivals could be arranged by some organization or organizations in Farmingdale on a regular basis. If this past weekend is any indicator, there is a strong market for them among local residents, who are often looking for fun activities for their children, let alone the whole of Long Island. If done right, the events could renew interest in the Main Street shopping district by bringing people into town, just as regular weekend flea markets and festivals are doing in areas such as Glen Cove. Although much has been said about Long Islanders' desire for the shopping experience and atmosphere of malls, there is much to be said for the shopping atmosphere that a street festival provides.

Festivals are just one example of the things that local people can do to make downtown Farmingdale a more thriving place. However, they must first come up with an organized mechanism to accomplish them. The proposed Business Improvement District (BID) would have been one way to do this, although it was defeated. Whether it be by a BID (which can be re-submitted for approval), by a less formal alliance of downtown shopkeepers, or a group of enthusiastic community organizations, a movement to begin a regular program of festivals on Main Street would be a step in the right direction toward the town's revitalization. Farmingdale has nothing to lose by trying this one, potentially powerful, tool - and possibly much to gain.

A.M.