Old-fashioned fun at the Long Island Fair

As fall arrives so does that annual fall treat: the Long Island Fair. Old Bethpage Village's version of a 19th century county fair entertains visitors year after year, while offering everyone the opportunity to take a break from the fast pace of modern life to enjoy a glimpse of the Long Island of bygone days.
This beloved tradition – now in its 168th year – goes on for four days, beginning Sept. 30, and continues strong into the 21st century, Truly a community event, some 500 volunteers participate in setting up and manning the exhibits, booths and tents, as well as exhibiting and demonstrating traditional crafts.
The fair is open to all, and those who have a specific skill or agricultural product are encouraged to become involved. Thousands of exhibits are entered every year in "friendly competition." Home gardeners and crafters enter everything from pickles to poultry, chrysanthemums to crocheted handiwork, fruit, jams, and jellies. Blue ribbon categories include livestock, flowers and vegetables from farms and home gardens, culinary creations, needlework, and hobbies. The junior division gives those 13 and younger a chance to show off their skills.
Organized by Nassau County's Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums, along with the Agricultural Society of Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, the fair serves as a showcase of Long Island's heritage. It is designated as the New York State-recognized county fair for Queens, Nassau and Suffolk.

“The fair was a competition among local farmers and farm wives who would display their recipes, show how new technologies impacted farming, which sheep had the most wool, and so on,” said Jim McKenna, site director of Old Bethpage Village Restoration. “It was and remains an important Nassau County tradition. Just like back then, people still want to compete to see who's best.”
Visitors will find old-fashioned fun for the modern age. The family-friendly festival, one of the most popular fall events on Long Island, includes a range of attractions to amuse and entertain: it's a look at life in the 19th century.
All ages will find much to explore and enjoy. There are craft demonstrations of long-forgotten skills: wool spinning, broom making, timber framing, needlework, leather craft, and more. Contests of skill involve visitors in spirited activities. Adults can test their skills and strength at two-man crosscut sawing in a spirited competition against other pairs for ribbons and prizes. The kids can join in the competitive action, with corn husking and potato sack races. Children can also take part in pony rides and enjoy the amazing Flying Horses Carousel, a replica of a 19th century folk art carousel, along with exotic animal and reptile shows.
The Lawton Trout Farm, a popular attraction last year, returns to introduce visitors to the sport of trout fishing. The kids can try their skills at trout fishing throughout the weekend.
And of course, the animals are always popular. The livestock barn includes cattle, sheep, goats, horses, rabbits and other animals, while the livestock demonstration ring will feature the beautiful horse-drawn carriages of the Paumanok Driving Club and the miniature horses of the Keystone Miniatures Club. In the spirit of the historic nature of the fair, the Wells Fargo Company will have a replica of a famous Wells Fargo coach with a handsome team of four horses on the Fairgrounds and in the historic Village on Saturday and Sunday.
The fair's long history dates back to 1842, when it was founded as the Queens County Agricultural Fair. Soon after it became known as the Mineola Fair. It moved to Roosevelt Raceway in 1953 and to the newly-opened Old Bethpage Village Restoration in 1970. Now the fair is fittingly held on a re-creation of the original Mineola Fairgrounds, which is part of the 200-acre restoration
village.
The fair would not be complete without entertainment, and showcases a variety of historical period musicians, dancers, jugglers, and mimes. Inside the giant entertainment tent, fairgoers can find all sorts of lively entertainment, including a "Punch and Judy" puppet show. One of the highlights is STOUT, a folk group of acoustic musicians who perform handclapping, foot stomping sea chanties and folk tunes.
Another fall tradition, is, of course, post-season baseball. It is always fun for fairgoers to watch the end-of-season championship matches of the nationally-renowned Old Time Base Ball Leagues, an Old Bethpage Restoration institution.
With all this going on, it’s easy to get sidetracked from the activity in the Exhibition and Agricultural Halls. That’s where you’ll find Long Island’s agricultural history represented in the form of a flower show, and the many categories of items entered to see who has the biggest and the best.

The Long Island Fair
at Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 3, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Admission: $12 adult, $8 seniors 60+ and children 4-14. Round Swamp Rd. (one mile south of LIE exit 48), Old Bethpage. (516) 572-8400 or www.lifair.org.