Families flock to Middle Village bazaar

Hundreds of families marched through the St. Margaret Parish annual bazaar in Middle Village this week, taking part in the fun, food and festivities.

The event, which ran from June 25 to June 29, has become a family tradition for those who have lived in the neighborhood for decades.

Adults came out to play bingo and roulette while the kids played games for prizes, ran through a fun house and whizzed through the rides. Foodies got their fix, thanks to the classic menu of zeppoles, Italian sausage, hot dogs, and Polish and Chinese cuisine.

Maria Mikol said she and her husband Harry never miss the yearly event and feel it is like a family tradition.

“I have been coming here for 12 years with my husband and three children and I think it’s wonderful,” said Mikol. “It’s very family oriented. It’s a community gathering.”

Dr. Phillip Franco, principal at St. Margaret School for the last three years, said the bazaar was great for the community and helps raise money for the school and the kids. The school raised about $50,000 last year and was on target to achieve the same mark this year, he said.

Money was raised through the various events, as well as $5 raffles and a 50-50 contest.

Monsignor Steven Aguggia, pastor of St. Margaret Parish, said the event was made possible because of the parish volunteers helping to run the games, food booths, ticket booth and rides.

“It’s a lot of work to put together, but there is a great social element here,” Aguggia said. “The bazaar is just a lot of fun.”

And that loyalty was on bright display.

Gamillo Ficalora has been one of the event’s longtime loyal volunteers and helped run the roulette table for the past decade. Bill Kellher, a newer volunteer, ran the dice wheel for his second year in a row but said he hoped to stay on board for at least another decade.

For more information on donating to the parish or the school, visit www.stmargaretmv.org.