Good Old-Fashioned Fun Set For Saturday

All are invited to the Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society’s Old-Fashioned Country Fair that organizers say celebrates the simpler things in life.

The annual event takes place Saturday, Sept. 21st from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. at the Sands-Willets House at 336 Port Washington Blvd. - one block south of Uncle Giuseppe’s. With a rain date set for Sept. 22.

Councilwoman Dina DiGiorgio and Town Clerk Leslie Gross who will officially open the 48th annual fair with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the Sands-Willets House front steps. 

The fair includes a wonderful mix of history, such a real working blacksmith, Colonial-era games for the kids, as well as tours of the historic Sands-Willets House and Barn. 

For the first time, a race car will be on display. Nicknamed “The Black Beast," the circa 1909 car was one of the most famous race cars of its era. The restored racer was a two-time winner of the Vanderbilt Cup, a major event in the early years of American Motorsport. “The Black Beast” was the favorite to win the first Indianapolis 500 Race in 1911. 

There will be booths displaying various crafts and products made by local artisans, including honey from the Beekeeper at the Historic Dodge House and famous homemade pies will be on sale. 

Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society’s Cow Neck Country Store will debut in its spacious new location in the historic barn. The legendary book sale will take place on the front lawn 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, and much, much more.

For children, there will be pony rides, a petting zoo, Johnny Appleseed storytelling, games, pumpkin painting and face painting and an authentic fire truck to climb on. 

Live music will be playing all day including the Samawamps Creek, The Long Island Harmonica Club and a wandering fiddler and banjo player.

“The Fall Country Fair 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," said Chris Bain, president of the Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society on the significance of the Fall County Fair. "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!”

This year the Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society is pleased to announce two contests: 

What is a Country Fair without the time-honored tradition of a Pie-Eating Contest? Contestants will be judged on whomever can eat the most pie in 10 minutes with hands firmly held behind their backs. Do you have what it takes to be crowned the Pie King or Queen?  Come help us cheer them along at 3 p.m.   (rules and entry forms can be found 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 to the fair and draw a picture for the contest. There will be two divisions:  Under six years old “What is your favorite thing at the Country Fair?” and seven years old and older “Draw a picture of the Sands-Willets House or Barn”.  Judging will be at 2 p.m. (rules and entry forms for the contest can be found at www.cowneck.org).