Business & Tech

New Providence Street Fair Hits South Street This Sunday

This annual fair will feature numerous street vendors, activities for the kids and live entertainment for all ages on Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Read on for all the details.

It’s that time of year again when the kids are just starting a fresh school year and the fall season is about to bring crisp, cool weather our way. It’s also time for the , which will take over South Street in downtown New Providence this Sunday, Sept. 9 for a fun-filled family day.

Sponsored by the New Providence Business Community, the fair will sprinkle South Street between Gales Drive and Springfield Avenue from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with upwards of 100 street vendors, plenty of activities for the kids and live entertainment for all ages.

“We’re going to have the ‘Kid Friendly Art Zone,’ sponsored by the Prestige Diner. There’s going to be a petting zoo and pony rides, and a section with kiddie rides,” said Michelle Brugger, President of the New Providence Business & Professional Association. “We’re going to have some local talent come and perform, and we’re going to have exhibitors, food vendors, different arts and crafts, and local businesses. We have a lot of New Providence businesses that are going to be there this year, which is great. We’re just looking forward to a successful street fair where everybody can find something to do to have some fun.”

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South Street will be completely closed to vehicular traffic at 7 a.m. on Sunday as vendors begin to set up, Brugger said. South Street will reopen between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. following the festivities.

The fair attracted around 5,000 community members last year and Brugger said she’s hoping for another strong turnout.

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“Ironically, the is having their that weekend as well and hopefully people that are there come to visit. I think they are expecting about 2,000 [people],” Brugger said. “I’m pretty sure our numbers from last year were probably around 5,000 so if we can hit somewhere in the 5,000 and 8,000 person range throughout the day, that would be wonderful.”

Brugger said there are some new sponsors and vendors this year. According to the New Providence Business and Professional Association web site, the fair will include a variety of food choices, such as hot dogs, sausage and pepper sandwiches, zeppoles, shish-k-bobs, kettle corn, butterfly fries, ice cream and more, as well as offerings from nearby food establishments.

As previously mentioned, there will be a lot of local talent performing in the Village Shopping Center driveway next to NP Fuel throughout the day. Here is the schedule of performers:

  • 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. —
  • 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. — Pablo Estelo
  • 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. — Kristen Errett
  • 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. — demonstration, dance performance
  • 1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. — Kristen Errett
  • 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. — Paul Guarilo Band
  • 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. — Chatham Brass Band    

Are you driving to the fair? Brugger said all local parking lots, including the Village Shopping Center lot, and nearby roads will be open for parking.

While at the fair, community members who have any questions, problems, or require medical attention can go to the NPBPA booth or find Brugger at the booth for assistance.

Some vendors will only be accepting cash, Brugger said, while others will be accepting cash, credit cards and debit cards. Several banks are located along South Street and in the general vicinity of the fair, including Wells Fargo Bank, TD Bank, The Provident Bank, Investors Bank and Bank of America.

The 2012 Street Fair Sponsors are:

“We’re looking forward to a successful Street Fair with lots for people to do all day,” Brugger said, “and for the residents of New Providence to enjoy themselves.”

Check out our video above from the 2011 New Providence Street Fair. 


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