Thousands of fairgoers crowded Argyle Park on Sunday, September 8, in search of a unique craft, some great entertainment and food, and lots of fresh air and sunshine. At what has become the largest one-day fair on Long Island, the Babylon Beautification Society‘s 29th Annual Country Fair was one of the best yet, say fair organizers.

"Vendors come from as far away as upstate New York," said Maureen Munson, this year’s fair co-chair. "They travel this distance, because this is such a well-attended fair."

Elaine Hahn and Marsha Augustyn of Love My Dollie, a business specializing in famous artist dolls and limited editions, are second year exhibitors. The pair only sell dolls through shows, and count Babylon’s Country Fair as one of the best.

What makes this fair such a success year after year is the community involvement, says fair co-chair Patricia Carley. "It’s very easy to get community groups to volunteer and run the food booths," said Carley. "What many people don’t realize, however, is that the Beautification Society supplies all the food booths on the south side of Main Street. Community groups— from the Cub Scouts to the Babylon Women’s Club—step in to staff the booths and all profits go to the Beautification Society."

Top left, Cub Scout Pack 99 mans the "mum booth". At left Love My Dollie proprietors Marsha Augustyn, left and Elain Hahn showcase their dolls. Below fairgoers take a break from browsing.

Photos by Janine Logan