If you’ve notice the big, wooden painted ducks around the Village lately, then you know that Sunday, September 9 is an important day in Babylon Village. The 28th annual Babylon Beautification Society Country Fair around Argyle Lake begins promptly at noon with opening remarks by Babylon Mayor E. Donald Conroy. This is the event dozens of people have been working on for months. This is the event that draws more than 50,000 people from all over Long Island each year. This is the event that makes Babylon special.

With more than 250 craftspeople from the entire tri-state region displaying handcrafted wares around the lake, it takes hours to visit all the booths. The constant entertainment from the gazebo is varied enough to suit all ages and tastes. Delicious food, from hot dogs and hamburgers to sausage and pepper heroes to knockwurst and soda will be available around the gazebo. There’s plenty for the younger set to do in the children’s area, with games of all kinds. There’s vegetables and mums for sale and fresh, roasted corn to enjoy. If you like to read, there’s tons of bargains at the Book Stall, and it’s not too late to call Louise Kennedy at 631-661-2690 or George Smith at 631-587-3689 if you’ve got some books to donate. The Country Kitchen needs baked goods the day of the fair. Bring them to the gazebo area.

Fair co-chairperson Michelle Melfi and Kim Johnston extend an invitation to all Villagers and their families to come to the fair, enjoy the food, the entertainment and the ambience this Sunday at Argyle Lake from noon to 5 p.m.

The entertainment schedule is as follows: Noon - Coast Guard and American Legion Color Guard, The National Anthem by Christie Reinert, opening remarks by Mayor E. Donald Conroy, opening remarks by Emcee Wayne Horsley and BBS President Pat Carley and introduction of fair Co-Chairpersons Kim Johnston and Michelle Melfi; 12:30 p.m. - J.C. Singer, song stylist; 1:15 p.m. barbershop quarter, Top Shelf; 2 p.m. - steel band, Steel Impressions; 2:45 p.m. - violinist James Graseck and 3:15 p.m. Joel Sikowitz and his Swing Orchestra, featiuring Dawn and the Embers.

In photo above, Emcee Wayne Horsley and Babylon Mayor E. Donald Conroy are shown at last year’s country fair.