On Sunday, Sept. 27, Jackson Avenue in downtown Syosset will once again come alive for one of my favorite days of the year: The annual Syosset Street Fair.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., thousands of residents will have an opportunity to meet local businesses and community organizations, enjoy food, entertainment and activities for children, and, most importantly, spend a day with family, friends and neighbors.

As president of the Syosset-Woodbury-Jericho Chamber of Commerce, I see throughout the year how closely connected our local businesses and our community really are. Perhaps no single day demonstrates that relationship better than the Street Fair.

For our local businesses, the fair is much more than a one-day event. It gives business owners an opportunity to get out from behind their counters and desks, introduce themselves to the people they serve and build relationships that can continue long after the tents come down.

The street fair would not be possible without the tremendous support of our business community. We are especially grateful to our two anchor sponsors, Corcoran SRG Residential and Rallye Motors, whose commitment helps us bring this event to Jackson Avenue and showcase the businesses, organizations and people that make our community special.

The response to this year’s fair has been tremendous. Our promotional mailer to 16,000 members of the local community sold out, another indication of the enthusiasm surrounding this year’s event.