With summer around the corner, The Shoppes at East Wind in Wading River is expanding its lineup of seasonal events, drawing families, car enthusiasts and local shoppers to its brick-paved grounds. June highlights include Cruise Nights, Craft Fair Weekends and Family Fun Weekend on June 21 and 22, with free admission for all events.
Inspired by Peddler’s Village in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, owner Ken Barra opened the walkable shopping destination in October 2016.
A Disney enthusiast, he said he wanted to create a safe, family-oriented space with independent stores “much different than an informal big chain.”
Introduced in 2022, the Craft Fair Weekends bring Long Island vendors to join approximately 28 freestanding specialty shops.
“The Craft Fair is important,” Barra told South Shore Press. “It’s for people who have something like a small business on the side without making a full commitment to brick and mortar, where they can go and sell whatever they’re making.”
“It’s a win-win for everyone,” said Charlotte Coté, marketing director at The Shoppes at East Wind. “It helps these small crafters have a place to come to sell their wares and brings people in who haven’t been to The Shoppes.”
The next Craft Fair Weekend is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Items for sale include crystals, quilts, handmade soaps and jewelry, according to Coté.
Admission is free. The bounce house and carousel are available with a $5 token.
Cruise Night Car Show, another regular event at The Shoppes, takes place Wednesdays from 5 to 9 p.m.
“People love it!” said Coté. “On a nice day, the parking lot fills with cars and people.” The shows were first inspired by the Wading River Shoreham Chamber of Commerce.
Reflecting on the appeal of classic cars, Barra said, “It’s the older people who really love to work on their engines and created these cars from scratch or fixed them up and built them. And then what happens is you see a lot of the people in the community, they bring their children.”
There is no admission charge for drivers or attendees.
This month’s featured event is Family Fun Weekend, held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and featuring live music, face painting, carousel rides and costumed children’s characters.
The Newfield High School Drum Ensemble will perform Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additional performers include Sweet Ride on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m., and Emy McB on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Wading River Fire Department will offer a Touch-A-Truck fire safety activity. Food vendors and family-oriented activities will also be available. While admission is free, some activities may carry a fee.