Little Falls Annual 4th of July Street Fair Enjoyed by Attendees

By Tina Pappas

Attendees filled the streets during the annual Little Falls 4th of July Street Fair to enjoy items from retail vendors and great food.

The event also included activities for the kids such as face painting, games, as well as other entertainment and attractions. It also gave kids to a chance to visit with members of the Little Falls Police Department (LFPD), Little Falls Fire Department (LFFD) and Little Falls EMS, and checkout their vehicles and equipment.

Local businesses showcased their shops and offered specials to those passing by. The annual event is sponsored by the Little Falls Police Benevolent Association (PBA) 346 and was set up along Main Street with over 80 vendors. Attendees walked along several blocks to enjoy a fun, summer day, and check out the merchan- dise and food being offered by vendors. Tent exhibits highlighted craft vendors, services, including a variety of food and refreshment trucks.

Mayor James Damiano, along with Council President Anthony Sgobba, Councilman Chris Vancheri, Councilwoman Christine Hablitz, Councilman Michael Murphy, Councilwoman Jayna Patel, were on-hand to greet attendees. Members of the Little Falls Police Department and Little Falls PBA 346 also greeted those passing by.

According to PBA President Kevin Sayad, this year’s attendance topped last year’s attendance and said the event was very successful.

“Despite the brutally hot and muggy weather, attendees still came out in droves and we had double the amount of vendors compared to last year’s amount of 40 so it was way bigger than last summer,” he said. “I thought the temperature would keep people from coming but it didn’t and I was very surprised and happy with the turnout.”

Also featured at the event was Sayad’s brother, Dr. Michael Sayad, who recently joined the Foot and Ankle Center of New Jersey, located at 96 E. Main Street, as a podiatrist and foot surgeon.

“My brother works for the center and it was nice to have his tent set up next to the PBA tent,” Sayad explained. “We’re both from this town and we love it here. I’ll be bringing him to other PBA events coming up this year.”

Some other vendors featured at the event were that the PBA wish to acknowledge are Kona Ice, Cousins Maine Lobster, Pickle Me, The Mozzarella God, Messy Fancy Funnels, and Spread the Health. Craft vendors were also featured.

“Kona Ice seemed to be the busiest because it was a great way for attendees to cool off on a hot day like that with some shaved, flavored ice so it was a big hit,” he added.

Emergency trucks and vehicles from the LFPD, LFFD, Little Falls EMS and the DPW were also on exhibit for kids to have an opportunity to inspect and touch all the vehicles’ gadgets. The LFFD opened up the fire hydrants to cool down the crowd with mist and sprinklers.

“We appreciate all of our first responders coming by and setting up just off Main Street to host a visit from children, including the LFFD cooling everyone off in a splash zone,” he explained.

Sayad also wished to thank We’re All Tied Up for coordinating the event.

“We partner with them to help us run these events and we appreciate it,” he noted.