Following a 27-year run without a cancellation, Mother Nature turned her back on the Garden City Chamber's Fall Festival Street Fair and Garden City High School's Homecoming Day Parade Sept. 28. What we needed instead was a little more help from "Lady Luck."

Roger Eltringham, president of the chamber, Kharla Abamont, assistant director, and I were on board at 7 a.m., conferring with Garden City Police Officer Rich Pedone and Sergeant Bill Grimes. We were also in touch with Dr. Robert Feirsen, superintendent of schools, and Nancy Kalafus, athletic director, relative to the decision to cancel the parade.

Tuning in to reports that the heavy rain and winds would intensify throughout mid-day, we used our best judgment. There seemed to be no choice but to break our 27-year street fair record without a rainout! Add to that, the cancellation of the homecoming parade, which came mid-morning. To make matters even worse, our phones went out until late afternoon, so the tape relating the cancellations was never heard. The one saving grace: The Garden City Trojans won the football game against Elmont 14 to 7!

What a disappointment for the many shops, restaurants, eateries, businesses, community organizations, and of course the chamber - all who had worked so hard on exhibits and attractions that were not to be. What a disappointment for the "home-comers" and high school students whose creative parade floats were never to be seen - and the band, the cheerleaders - all the groups that contribute to the festivities of what has come to be known as "Garden City Community Day."

It all began back in1978 when the chamber and Garden City High School decided to work together to stage this community event. It was felt that the parade spectators would be on hand to enjoy the street fair festivities, while the street fair "goers" would serve as an audience for the parade - a benefit to all! (The date for the event is determined each year by the high school's football schedule.)

We all owe an enormous amount of thanks to Kharla Abamont, chamber assistant director, for the yeoman's job she did in the assignment of spaces to the various businesses and organizational groups, and for her extraordinary efforts toward the many necessary details.

Thanks to all for bearing with us. Our wish for "Community Day" '07? Sunshine and "tepid" weather!

Althea Robinson

Executive Director, Garden City Chamber of Commerce