Chappaqua Chamber Proposes First Annual Fall Fest

CHAPPAQUA, N.Y. – The Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce has been around only since June, but it is already looking to create some longstanding traditions.

President Rob Greenstein proposed an idea for the Chamber's First Annual Fall Festival at a New Castle Town Board work session last week. Greenstein is hoping the board will allow the chamber to use Senter Street, lower King Street and the Gazebo for an Oct. 13 event.

“The goal of the festival is to basically have everything revolve around the shops, similar to the sidewalk sale,” Greenstein said. “We have sort of high hopes in closing certain areas, but there’s definitely going to be some merchants set up in front of their stores.”

The event will showcase local merchants throughout Chappaqua and Millwood. Seasonal tastings from local restaurants will be available, and merchants will offer promotions and showcase new fall products.

Greenstein initially hoped to close those streets to vehicular traffic but is now just looking at a parking ban.

“This will allow cars to access the train station parking lot, while still giving the street a pedestrian walkway feel,” he said.

The chamber also plans to have a farm animal petting zoo, hay rides, face painting, pumpkin painting and more games. Music and entertainment will be offered at the gazebo throughout the event, which would run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Greenstein said.

Hay rides would begin on Senter Street and go through town; a bouncy castle could be placed at the end of lower King; and pumpkin painting would be set up at the South Greeley Avenue field. Merchants could also set up on the sidewalk in front of their shops on King Street and Greeley.

The chamber has received more than $5,000 in sponsorship money for the event. Although some of the logistics need to be ironed out, Greenstein said the event will absolutely happen Oct. 13 or on the Oct. 20 rain date.

“There’s definitely going to be a Fall Fest. There’s no question about that. Everybody’s excited about it.”

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