Long Island Fair FunAutumn delights at Old Bethpage Village

That annual fall treat is upon us: the Long Island Fair. Old Bethpage Village's recreation of a 19th century county fair continues to entertain as it offers visitors a break from the fast pace of modern life with a glimpse of the Long Island of bygone days.The 162-year-old tradition, which takes place for two full weekends, beginning Oct. 8, continues strong into the 21st century. Truly a community event, some 500 volunteers set up and man the exhibits, booths and tents, helping out as well as exhibiting and demonstrating traditional crafts. Open to all, 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, 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.Nassau County's Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums, along with the Agricultural Society of Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties and the Friends for Long Island's Heritage work together in a government-private sector partnership to maintain this showcase of Long Island's heritage. "We are excited to once again present an autumn tradition - Long Island's only historic country fair - perfectly showcased in Old Bethpage Village's 19th century setting." said Richard Murphy, Chief Deputy Commissioner of Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums. "This is truly 'time travel' to a fall day in the 1800s, complete with animal rides, entertainment, children's games, friendly competition for blue ribbons and even old time Base Ball." Visitors will find old-fashioned fun for the modern age. There are craft demonstrations of long-forgotten skills: wool spinning, broom making, timber framing, needlework, leathercraft, and more. Adults can test their skill and strength at two-man crosscut sawing in a spirited competition against other pairs for ribbons and prizes. Other contests include corn husking and children's races. At the popular "Farmer for a Day" activity, youngsters can visit an interactive farm and help the 19th century farmer gather crops for market. Children can also take part in pony rides and the charming Flying Horses Carousel, a replica of a 19th century folk art carousel. 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 then newly-opened Old Bethpage Village Restoration in 1970. Now it is fittingly held on a re-creation of the original Mineola Fairgrounds, part of the 200-acre restoration village. Three livestock barns feature a variety of farm animals, including sheep, goats, horses, and rabbits. The livestock demonstration ring presents the horse drawn carriages of the Paumanok Driving Club and the Miniature Horses of the Keystone Miniatures Club. These carriage horses participate in competitions as their owners demonstrate harnessing and driving. Another longstanding favorite, is an encounter with Theodore Roosevelt - a popular visitor to the fair's 19th century version as governor - who is brought to life by impersonator James Foote. His Rough Riders are re-created, performing demonstrations of riding and cavalry maneuvers. The fair would not be complete without entertainment, and each year brings new forms of 19th century amusements. This year, STOUT, a group of acoustic musicians, performs handclapping, foot stomping sea chanties and folk tunes. Inside the giant entertainment tent fair-goers can find a "Punch and Judy" puppet show, singers, a magician and storyteller. As a special treat, the fair welcomes phrenologist Professor Henry C.P. Clark who will read the 'bumps' on your head.Another fall tradition, is, of course, post-season baseball. A highlight of these two weekends takes place on the baseball field, with end of season playoff matches of the renowned Old Time Base Ball Leagues, an Old Bethpage institution. Nine teams compete, representing actual Long Island clubs from the latter half of the 1800s. It is always amazing to see how these athletes field without gloves!

The 162nd Long Island Fair