Irish Step Dancers get ready to perform at last year's fair. For 33 years, Argyle Park has been the site of one of Long Island's largest and most popular country fairs. This year, Sunday, September 10 (rain date, September 17), is the day the Babylon Beautification Society (BBS) plays host to thousands of fairgoers who come to Babylon Village for good food, entertainment, games and activities for children and shopping at hundreds of craft booths.

The fair kicks off at the Gazebo opposite Argyle Lake at noon, which is the site of continuous entertainment until 5 p.m. Surrounding the gazebo is the food court, where fairgoers will find a beer garden to wash down wursts, hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage and pepper heros, deli sandwiches and more. Visit the Country Kitchen for Vermont cheddar in wedges of all sizes, along with jams, jellies and baked goods. Local produce, pumpkins and oversized chrysanthemums at bargain prices can be found at the plant stall. One of the most popular food booths each year features fresh-roasted Long Island corn on the cob, dripping with butter, which goes well with an ice-cold soda or beer.

The book stall is a place to peruse gently-used books of all kinds. Anyone wishing to donate books should e-mail Carol Krollage at CKrollage@yahoo.com.

Entertainment to suit all musical tastes will be at the Gazebo continuously from noon to 5 p.m. with such diverse acts as blues musician Little Toby Walker, Joel Sikowitz and his Swing Band, song stylist JC, a doo-wop band and the Irish Step Dancers.

Hundreds of craft booths will be spread out around Argyle Lake, with many hand-crafted items from original artwork and pottery, Christmas decorations, wreaths and wall hangings, baby toys, clothes and much more.

The BBS County Fair is a group effort by dozens of Village volunteers who give their time and energy each year to raise funds to keep Babylon beautiful. The hanging flower baskets that adorn village light posts each summer and the decorated holiday poles each Christmas are the result of combined efforts of the Village and the BBS.

Support the work of the BBS by coming to the Country Fair, Sunday, September 10 and being part of a fun-filled day that helps make Babylon Village the special place that everyone loves. For information, send e-mails to the BBS at BBS587@hotmail.com.