A perfect September Sunday set the stage for Williston Day, where neighbors and friends danced, ate and had fun on Hillside Avenue for hours. 

This weekend was the second fair since the COVID-19 pandemic, which canceled the event in 2020 before returning to record crowds last year. 

Sunday saw the chance for new restaurants and owners to join in on the never-ending fun. 

On the corner of Hillside Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, Willistons’ featured live music, food and drinks for an audience that only increased throughout the day. 

In front of Hildebrandt’s, owner Spencer Singer had sweet treats outside the front door. 

Singer has been co-owner of the iconic eatery since earlier this year and said he was excited to take part in a huge community event.

“The welcome from everyone has been amazing,” Singer said. “We’re really happy to be here.”

A few doors down at BRENDOS, East Williston native Brendan Banks, who opened his restaurant in August, was serving burgers and fries to a crowd congregating in front of a TV outside to watch the New York Giants play the Carolina Panthers. 

“We’ve had a great first month, I couldn’t be happier,” Banks said. “Today has been a great turnout and it’s nice to see so many people.”

Visitors had no shortage of options for entertainment, whether it was demonstrations from local dance studios, martial arts studios, Flamenco dancing in front of Sangria 71, or live music at Memories 2 Bar & Grill. 

Taecole Tae Kwon Do of Albertson showed its students’ skills to roaring applause for almost every kick.

“Doing this every year is a highlight,” said owner Maggie Messina. “Everyone can see the students’ skills and I love catching up with a lot of kids who grew up at TaeCole.”

When the sun, which never hid behind a cloud all day, got too hot. there was always a spot to grab lemonade or head over to the East Williston Fire Department’s dunk tank. 

Food options varied and if someone tried them all, it would have been close to a trip around the world. 

Pizza, pickles on a stick and paella were on the menu across the fair and each stop had a line.

The best chance to cool off Sunday was most likely in the dunk tank, run by the East Williston Fire Department.