The Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society is holding its 49th Old-Fashioned Country Fair to celebrate the simpler things in life.
“This is a great way to spend time with family and friends, enjoy our local culture and history, and maybe even learn something along the way,” said Chris Bain, the society’s president.
The Country Fair will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Sands-Willets House at 336 Port Washington Blvd.—south of Uncle Giuseppe’s. (Rain date: Sunday, Sept. 28)
At 10 a.m., Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio will start the fair by cutting an opening day ribbon on the Sands-Willets House front steps and will present a proclamation to Evelyn Fitzsimmons for her many years of dedication to the historical society.
There will be a mix of history: Revolutionary War re-enactors, Colonial-era games for the kids, and short tours of the Sands-Willets House and barn.
Fairgoers will have the chance to see a race car, circa 1909. Nicknamed The Black Beast, it was one of the most famous race cars of its era, and was a two-time winner of the Vanderbilt Cup, a major event in the early years of American motor sport. The Black Beast was the favorite to win the first Indianapolis 500 Race in 1911.
Local honey from the beekeeper at the historic Dodge House and homemade pies will be on sale. There will be booths displaying various crafts and products made by local artisans. The Cow Neck Country Store will be open in its spacious location in the historic barn.
The front lawn will house a sale where tables will be piled high with books for every generation. And what is a country fair without typical fair food? There will be lots to sample, including hot dogs, wrap sandwiches, corn on the cob, cookies, fudge, and more.
There will be short tours of the historic Sands-Willets House, with quilts still on display from the exhibition, “The Art of Quilting: Fibers, Fabrics & Fashion.”
For children, besides pony rides, a petting zoo, Johnny Appleseed storytelling, games, pumpkin painting and face painting, there will be a fire truck to climb on. Live music will be playing all day, featuring the Front Porch Players and The Long Island Harmonica Club.
Bain explained the significance of the fair by saying, this is “our most important fundraiser of the year, allowing us to maintain two of the oldest historic dwellings in the area, as well as our extensive collection of local artifacts. Additionally, it helps us continue our important educational work with school groups from all over Long Island. We are grateful for the community’s support and look forward to seeing all our friends and neighbors at the best fair yet.”
One of the highlights of last year’s Country Fair was the Pie Eating Contest. Anton Media Group will again sponsor the contest, with publisher Angela Anton doing the judging.
Starting at 3 p.m., contestants will be judged on who eats the most pie in 10 minutes, with hands firmly held behind their back. This year there will be divisions for adults and kids, with grand prizes to be awarded. Rules and entry forms are at www.cowneck.org.
With the support of the Port Washington School District, Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society will sponsor an art contest the day of the fair. Children are encouraged to come and draw a picture for the contest. There will be two divisions: Under six years old, and seven years old and older. Winners will be judged by Cow Neck painter Larry Chrapliwy. Prizes and ribbon awards will be presented to the winners by Michelle Schimel at 2 p.m. Rules and entry forms are at www.cowneck.org. Admission is $5 for adults, and $2 for children (children under six free).
Those signing up at the fair for a new membership will receive free admission.
For more info call 516-365-9074, or go to www.cowneck.org, info@cowneck.org, or www.facebook.com/cnphs.
