The Village of Babylon is celebrating a 50-year milestone on Sunday, Sept. 8, with its Annual Craft Fair at Argyle Park. The event runs from 8 to 5 p.m. at the park, 244 West Main St.
“It’s 50 years so it’s special,” said Frank Petruzzo, president of the Babylon Beautification Society, which sponsors the event. “It’s a big milestone for us. The fair back 50 years ago was very small as was the Beautification Society. But it’s grown now into one of Long Island’s largest craft fairs. We have tens of thousands of people come into our village every year.”
Visitors hail from all over, even out of state, he said.
Although the following Sunday, Sept. 15, is the rain date, he’s optimistic about this weekend, saying: “The forecast so far looks good.” With sunny skies, he said, the event could draw at least 25,000. The big attraction, of course, is the over 300 crafts vendors offering everything from home décor to jewelry and the opportunity to meet the talented artists behind them. So popular is this event for artists that Petruzzo said there is a waiting list for vendors to participate in the fair.
Besides crafts, the fair welcomes 30 specialty food vendors to satisfy hunger that day with bratwurst, hamburgers, pretzels and more, or perhaps send you home with artisanal cheese, honey, hot sauces and baked goods.
Although the fair opens at 8 a.m., the food, wine and beer will be served around 11 a.m. and the live music kicks off noon at the gazebo. For the kids, there are activities just across the canal at Bayman Park, such as a bounce house, face painting, temporary tattoos and fairy hair.
This year a brief ceremony will be held to mark the 50th anniversary during which the village will be presented with a bronze plaque to be installed at the gazebo, he said.
In a press release, Village of Babylon Mayor Mary Adams said, “Fifty years of the fair in our beloved village is a true milestone. We honor the extraordinary contributions and steadfast dedication of our community members and volunteers who make this event possible year after year.”
While entry is free for the public, this is a big fundraiser for the Babylon Beautification Society, which, founded in 1971, draws revenue from vendors to fuel a number of projects, including planting the trees for which the village is known.
According to Petruzzo, “This is our largest fundraiser, and with the money we pay for beautification projects. Over the years it’s included the village gazebo, by the train station we have a welcome sign, and we have two statues that we put in over the years.”
One statue recognizes those who did clamming on Great South Bay in years past, while the other depicts Robert Moses, an urban planner and powerful figure in New York State history.
"The primary thing that we fund every year are hanging baskets, flower planters and trees. We are recognized as a tree city by the Arbor Day Foundation,” he said.
For further details visit the Babylon Beautification Society website.