In sync with its goal to support local agriculture, the North Meets South Fair is moving for the first time to an actual farm—Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank—along with a variety of artisans and entertainment. The fair celebrates the farm-to-table movement by connecting farm-related vendors with the community and will take place Saturday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (rain date, Sunday, Nov. 3).
Known to attract 2,500 attendees, the fair will be expanding to a biannual schedule, starting with this event, which is described as a one-stop shopping experience for the essence of Long Island.
“This is a new venue space for us. It’s the first time we’re having it at a farm,” said Monique Parsons, co-owner of Salt & Soul, which sponsors the day. “We really wanted to make sure that it was farm-centered because the whole point of the event is a farm’s food and drink fair.”
Fairgoers will find a myriad of merchandise, from Hoshyla’s fresh honey to handcrafted soap, scrumptious desserts to unique jewelry like beach glass and pressed flower creations. In addition to restaurant fare, attendees can savor local wines, craft beer, and cider. There will also be an opportunity to support an animal rescue organization, Parsons said, noting that a different rescue is chosen for each event—this year, it’s Hope for Cleo.
Besides shopping, a five-piece band called 1 Step Ahead will provide live music throughout the day. Activities will include axe throwing, jumbo garden games, face painting, glitter tattoos, meet-and-greets with farm animals, and hayrides.
Looking back at how the first North Meets South Fair got started, Parsons said, “We wanted to basically give recognition to our local farmers to showcase to people where food was coming from. It actually started out with North and South Fork. We were looking to harness the North and South Fork farms so that people saw where their local produce was coming from.” Since its 2019 inception, the fair has expanded to the North and South shores of Long Island, as well as to local businesses like Twisted Cow.
It’s all part of an effort, she said, to keep shopping dollars local on Long Island and “lift up small businesses so that they can survive especially in this type of economy.” Experience teaches that customers who connect with local farms and artisans tend to stay loyal, which gives the fair the power to forge lasting bonds, according to Parsons.
Those interested in attending can purchase advance tickets for $7 each through Friday or buy them at the door (cash only) for $10 each. There is also an opportunity to purchase VIP packages for $59, which include swag like a T-shirt and food sampling tickets. Visit the website for details.
Salt & Soul, co-owned by Parsons and business partner Shannon Reitz, is an organization focused on bringing events to small businesses on Long Island and is also responsible for Merry Market around the holidays. Through North Meets South, it aims to raise awareness and membership for the Long Island Farm Bureau, which advocates for farmers and their success.