SeptemberFest Vendor Loves Nyack 'For Its Beauty'

NYACK, NY — Street fairs, festivals and fun resume in Nyack in the fall, and the village kicks off a jam-packed season with the Chamber of Commerce's SeptemberFest street fair on Sunday.

The "legendary" fair runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, on Main Street in the heart of the village.

"We're pleased to once again host our SeptemberFest fair," said Roger Cohen, President of the Nyack Chamber. "The fair is in many ways an introduction to our village. We welcome everyone to enjoy a special experience, come back for more, and stay – for a weekend ... or even a lifetime."

One of the vendors will be a woman from New York City who's been making jewelry since her kids were in preschool.

"I've had cousins in Nyack my whole life who are still there, and I've always loved the area for its beauty," Amy Delson told Patch, encouraging people to look for her purple tent at the popular street fair.

Delson, who calls herself a "mompreneur," said she'll be selling her namesake brand of jewelry and hand-sewn up-cycled street wear.

She's among more than 200 vendors, including local businesses, who will offer visitors a rich array of clothing, accessories, art, crafts, gifts and great food.

Mark Mangan, Chamber Event Manager, said two great local bands would be featured at the Gazebo on Main Street:

1:00 pm: The Scoop – Rockland-based 'fun' band, playing a huge catalog of iconic rockers including the Beatles, Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Pretenders, Elton John, Blondie, Van Morrison and lots more. Originals too!

4:00 pm: Bulletproof Heart – Nyack's own, building on a Grunge base, pounding out hits from the '70s, '80s and '90s, with modern interpretations of classics from bands like Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Hole, and Weezer.

In addition to enjoying the music and sampling wares from hundreds of fair vendors, Fest-goers can enjoy the many boutiques and restaurants open year-round in the village.

Nyack's one-of-a kind retailers offer unique merchandise across a broad spectrum of hard-to-find treasures, from antiques, custom jewelry and original art, to hand-made clothing, crystals, vintage vinyl, specialty eyeware and other products – many imported from sustainable sources in the U.S. and around the world. Newly trending in the village are thrift shops and art galleries, Chamber officials said.

Among the attractions for shoppers who like to marry a good deal with a good meal is the tempting array of casual eateries and fine dining establishments in the village.

"Nyack is becoming a top destination for great dining in the Hudson Valley," said Mark Davidoff, Chamber Board member, and director, Rockland Community College Culinary Arts and Hospitality Center. "Our village is a hub for both culinary arts education, and for the final product – the best food on the plate for the discerning diner."

Just FYI, here's what's on the schedule for the autumn:

• Sept. 11: Hometown Heroes (9/11 event)
• Sept. 28 - Oct. 21: Phoenix Festival Live Arts in Nyack (live theater, dance, music)
• Sept. 30: OctoberFest / LagerFest
• Oct. 6: Spirit of Nyack (Halloween kickoff)
• Oct. 8: Nyack's Famous Street Fair (50th anniversary!)
• Oct. 28: Halloween parade and festivities
• Nov. 4: Rockland County Fashion Week
• Nov. 11: Candlelight Concert Series (Bridget Kibbey)
• Nov. 18: Jonathan Demme Close Up