Let’s ‘Meet on Main’: Chamber to reutilize Alive After Five dates for family-oriented fun

The Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce has a more “formulated” plan to repurpose the Alive After Five dates originally scheduled for July 8, 22, and Aug. 5 and 19. Pending approval from the village board of trustees and mayor Paul Pontieri, the chamber plans to host “Meet on Main,” family-oriented fun nights, though the first date of the season is likely to feature mostly on-street dining with some additions including music and art.

“We have more of a formulated plan for a family celebration similar to Family Fun Night. We will be creating an event unique to this year in response to the transition,” chamber executive director David Kennedy said, noting that last year there were no events besides some on-street dining. “We expect to be back to a full normal schedule of events next year.”

The event will progress with adding the farmers’ market vendors and potentially a petting zoo and bouncy houses for the kids, as well as some art vendors and music in front of the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts.

“I think we recognize that things are moving forward, but we still have to be mindful being that Patchogue is a focus. We need to set a good example,” added Alive After Five chairperson Jacqueline Routh. “Moving forward and teaming up with other members in the chamber, we will come up with something that is fun, safe and appropriate. It should be a fun summer if we do it right.”

As for the new name, Kennedy said, “We wanted to emphasize a celebration geared toward families to enjoy; this is not going to be traditional Alive After Five.”

However, with hopes of potentially hosting a more traditional event by the end of the summer, eyes are on Riverhead, which will be hosting their Alive on 25 on July 1, and Smithtown, which will be hosting a June 6 Smithtown Day.

Depending on how “things go,” Kennedy said, “we might try to put together a real Alive After Five for the last date. We are keeping that option on the back burner, but I don’t find it likely.”