Polish Town, USA had its annual street fair and festival today, after all.
The unexpected deluge this morning put a real damper on the fair’s opening traditions. Heavy rainfall overwhelmed storm drains and streets quickly became inundated. Vendors who’d just finished getting all ready for business had to cover their wares with tarps and work to make sure water didn’t collect on their canopies and make them collapse. Some were not successful.
But only a few vendors gave up. Most rode out the storm, hoping that the rain would stop, skies would clear and shoppers would come out. And that’s exactly what happened.
By the time 2 o’clock rolled around, vendors were picking up tarps, drying things off, and getting geared up for the crowds that soon flocked to Polish Town.
It didn’t take long for the party to get underway. Under the big tent outside Polish Hall, a six-piece band struck up a polka and people began to dance.
Despite the turnaround, vendors and local merchants were hurt by the stormy weather.
“There’s no way we can make it up,” said one woman selling old-fashioned sodas. Others were concerned that all the food purchased to cook and serve at the fair could not possibly be sold.
Tom Drake, co-owner of the Pulaski Street Grill was all set up for an outdoor party. He’d placed tables and chairs in his parking lot along with a bar and cooking station. A band was hired to entertain guests. But when the skies opened up, his parking lot flooded and he and his staff hurriedly packed everything up.
A few hours later, Drake was putting out platters of free hot dogs on the bar inside the restaurant.
His wife and co-owner Leslie Drake said they might set up the outside eating and entertainment area again tomorrow.
“Let’s see what the forecast says.”
The National Weather Service is currently calling for a mix of sun and clouds in the morning tomorrow, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Some thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall in the afternoon, the weather service says.
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Denise Civiletti
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.