Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches hosts Fall Festival

The Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches hosted its Fall Festival on Main Street in Center Moriches on Sunday, Oct. 19.

The Fall Festival began at 10 a.m. and continued until 5 p.m.  Various local businesses operated stalls on the street that advertised their services and sold various products to the townsfolk in attendance.  Fresh food from food trucks and local restaurants was also available, and musicians performed live for passersby.

One of the businesses that participated in the Fall Festival was Over the Dunes Designs, which displayed painted seashells.

“These are all ‘hand-decoupaged,’” Over the Dunes Design stall operator Courtney Frame said.  “I find all the seashells on the [local] beaches.  I’ve branched out into Christmas ornaments and wreaths.  I’ve lived in Center Moriches my entire life, and I felt [the Fall Festival] was a good audience for my work.”

Another participant in this year’s Fall Festival was painter Wendy McLaughlin.  She operated a small tent displaying original paintings and art prints.

“My art is local scenes and… the sea,” McLaughlin said.  “I’ve always loved art.  I love the natural beauty of Long Island.  I guess I really appreciate nature.  I do a lot of landscapes and commissions of people’s animals and stuff like that.”

A third local business was Rosalita’s Corner, and its stall was operated by Donna D’Andrea.  It specialized in “farmhouse home décor.”  According to D’Andrea, she was inspired to participate in this year’s festival by her mother, who encouraged her to participate in fairs like the Fall Festival.

“I followed what she wanted me to do,” D’Andrea said.  “I do this every year.  This is my fourth year on Main Street.  I make everything; I make homemade potpourri, all kinds of decorations for the holidays… all kinds of little gifts for… holidays, birthdays.”

Stephanie Cocozzelli of The Sweet Escape Macarons was one of the participants that offered food to attendees at the Fall Festival.  Her stall sold different flavors of macarons, including salted caramel, white chocolate raspberry, cake batter and strawberry shortcake.  According to Cocozzelli, The Sweet Escape Macarons would be opening up a storefront in December.

“I grew up in the deli business and I started baking for the deli around 10 years ago, and I found a passion for macarons,” Cocozzelli said.  “I’m a local; I live in Center Moriches.  I love seeing everybody in town.  [The Fall Festival] is one of my favorite events.”

Crumb Creations also hosted a stall on Main Street during the event.  From its table, Jennifer Hempfling sold numerous types of crumb cakes.  Flavors of crumb cakes on display included apple and caramel apple, among others.

“I love to bake, and my family and friends convinced me to start selling them,” Hempfling said.  “I take orders online or through Instagram.  I’m just so happy with the overwhelming support I’ve gotten from the community.”