NHP changes street fair date

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The mayor has also during multiple meetings in the past said when the new community center, which was demolished last winter, is completed the village is going to celebrate a different culture throughout each month.

“These are the things we do,” Devane said. “We don’t talk the talk, we walk the walk.”

Aside from New Hyde Park’s original date, the Chamber of the Willistons is holding its annual street fair on Sunday, Sept. 17. The chamber said the fair is always held on the third Sunday of September and the date will not be changed when asked by Blank Slate Media.

Devane emphasized the conversation on the street fair should have been handled like adults and said anyone that has an issue can call the village themselves and speak with him.

Panetta excluded from his letter the first sentence of secretary Pat Santomauro’s response who responded to his initial inquiry by saying “a great amount of consideration went into this decision as our wish is not to offend anyone.”

Santomauro went on to say in full, “We were advised that the holiest of the holiday is during sundown hours. Also, unfortunately, there are no alternate dates available as the vendors would be attending other street fairs the weekends after the 16th. We do hope those that can join us will.”

“Unfortunately, people like him can write a letter and get a platform and try to ruin someone’s reputation,”

Devane said of Panetta, who he called “despicable” and “a loser.”

Devane apologized to Santoamauro, who responded to Panetta’s inquiry with his full approval, for her involvement in the matter and adding she is “an outstanding individual, an outstanding employee and an even better person.”

The mayor ended by saying he hopes this can be a learning experience and told residents in attendance the board is meticulous about planning events not to infringe on anybody.

“We are going to have a fantastic time,” Devane said of the fair. “And all of us are going to come together and have that fantastic time.”