Recap: The Fanwood Street Fair

The sun came out, and so did Fanwood residents for the borough's annual Street Fair on Sunday. Sponsored by the town's Business and Professional Association and promoted by StreetFairs.org, the fair ran from 8 a.m. until the late afternoon. The central business district became a pedestrian mall with parts of South Avenue and Martine Avenue closed to cars to allow fair-goers to visit booths sponsored by businesses, organizations and the local government.

Peter Chemidlin, president of the Fanwood Business and Professional Association, worked two booths: one for the association and the other for his own firm, Family Investors Company. "I'm wearing two hats today," Chemidlin said.

He also explained that the fair had a purpose greater than providing the borough's residents with fried food, music and lemonade. "We want to get residents into the downtown and support local businesses," he said. "We're encouraging all local businesses to get out today."

Aimed at attracting families, the event featured an inflatable slide, a moon bounce, a DJ and a "Fun Bus" for kids. The booths offered products, services and information that ranged from psychic fortunetelling to animal-shaped bracelets, to flyers for Temple Sholom, to apparel supporting the Tea Party Movement.

Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr spoke with fair attendees who wished to learn more about the borough's government. "People always have questions," Mahr said. "Who is better to ask than the mayor?"

The mayor was also supporting local Democratic candidates Ed Potosnak for the 7th Congressional District and Kevin Boris for the Fanwood Borough Council, both of whom are running in elections in November and were talking to pedestrians at a booth on Martine Avenue.

Elsewhere, business owners sought to attract local customers. "I've been making my rounds and introducing myself," said Jason D. Parker, president of K-9 Resorts, a "daycare & luxury hotel" for dogs, located on South Avenue. "The business owners are here, the police officers are here, the rescue squad is here. It's great to see everyone."

Tim Stefanoski, an owner of LoTheMaR Opals, explained the importance of events like the Annual Street Fair to his business, which makes and sells its own handmade opal jewelry. "We've been coming here for a number of years," he said. "It's important from a PR standpoint. It's never been the greatest moneymaker, but it gives some exposure."

Irving Merlette, who came to the event from his home in Somerset County, attended the fair to support the borough. "I come whenever they have garage sales or anything going on," he said.

Though events like the Street Fair and Fanny Wood Day do bring out many local residents, the question remains whether the borough can continue to attract people to its downtown area during the rest the year. That answer ultimately rests in the hands of the townspeople.