The Smithtown Historical Society will host its annual Country Fair on Saturday, Aug. 23, offering attendees a chance to explore all the historic homes on the 22-acre property while taking part in traditional summer fair activities.
“This has been a long-time event. It’s been going on for over 20 years, 25 maybe,” said Priya Kapoor, the society’s executive director. “We encourage the community to come out and look at our houses… We’re just proud we have such a beautiful gem on Long Island where people can visit.”
The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. Entry is $10 per person, payable at the gate or in advance through Eventbrite. The entrance is located at 211 E. Main St., Smithtown, with off-site parking available at 222 E. Main St.
The day will include demonstrations, which in past years have featured Revolutionary War reenactments and equestrian drills.
“We also have kids crafts and a touch-a-truck event where we showcase a lot of utility trucks from the town and highway department,” Kapoor said. “We have a petting zoo during the event where kids can enjoy not only our farm animals but other animals as well, and then we have a hayride to our trail. Kids really enjoy that on our tractor.”
New attractions this year include a bounce house with a water-shower feature, and appearances from costumed characters Bluey and Peppa Pig.
“In the past we have had up to 2,000 to 2,500 people, and we have such a gigantic ground area that you won’t see them — like they just disappeared,” Kapoor said.
While Sunday is scheduled as a rain date, she said the forecast looks favorable for Saturday.
All historic buildings on the property will be open to visitors. According to the historical society website, the buildings function as museums that highlight the lives, work and traditions of the people who helped shape Smithtown. Many contain original artifacts and exhibits.
The Frank Brush Barn, built by a town undertaker in 1900, was once used to store horses, funeral wagons and firefighting equipment. Another popular site is the Franklin O. Arthur Farm, which displays Long Island’s agricultural history and houses animals such as ponies, goats and chickens.
Other historic buildings include a one-room library from around 1890, a Revolutionary War-era home, and a structure dating back to 1700.
“If somebody is just coming to see all the houses, this is the event that they will be open with a curator who will be able to tell you about it,” Kapoor said. She added that during events with on-site parking, not every building is accessible to the public.
“We are very fortunate that our local government supports us in a big way, and we are very fortunate that the community supports us in a big way,” she said.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosts a range of events throughout the year, including goat and alpaca yoga, a vintage baseball game, and more. Additional details are available at https://www.smithtownhistorical.org.