Skies clear after storm and Babylon Country Fair has glorious weather

S.C. Leg. and Babylonian Wayne Horsley, left and Babylon Village Mayor Ralph Scordino are all smiles at the fair. Photo by Cliff De Bear All communities came together to celebrate another Country Fair at Argyle Lake in Babylon Village on Sept. 7., which is sponsored by the Babylon Beautification Society. As in years past, the event this year provided people with a chance to meet with their friends, family and neighbors for a day of fun and festivities.

Loraine Grigo, of Westbury said the Country Fair is an event she attends every year. Maryann Newmann, and her friend from Howard Beach, get together to enjoy all the fair has to offer. "I come every year to enjoy the music," she said. "I am a music person."

The North Fork Trolley provided transportation from the Long Island Rail Road to Tappen Avenue for the fair goers. "We have been doing this for the past five or six years and it has been very successful," Tom Ingald, a spokesperson for North Fork Trolley, said.

The Village of Babylon hired the trolley company because parking can be difficult in the Village. The trolley allowed them greater access to parking but did not require that they walk a long distance from those spaces to the fair, which circled Argyle Park and the Babylon Marina on both sides of Montauk Highway.

Children enjoyed the playground and parents shopping for homemade products and souvenirs from the fair.

"There are a lot of things to buy and see," said Sue Stengren a longtime resident. "I come almost every year and the only thing missing this year are my kids— they are all in college. They always came with me."

Former residents often make the day's events an excuse to visit "home." Mary Dunn, who once lived in Babylon but has since moved out east said she wouldn't miss the opportunity. "I still come here every year," she said. "I tell my co-workers to come. It's absolutely beautiful."

Family pets were also invited, and they too enjoyed the festivities. There were a lot of items to buy from wearable t-shirts to home décor and holiday decorations. There were also several food vendors taking care of the hearty appetites of serious shoppers.

Top photo, members of the Babylon Booster Club serve up some great food. Middle left, strollers along Argyle Lake. Middle right, Ashley Belleau, 7, of Babylon Village tries to decide which color sand to add to her bottle at a vendor's table. At left, members of CERT, Community Emergency Response Teram, were on hand to give out all sorts of information to help people prepare for emergencies. At left, Roseann Bencivenga, 12 and her dad Dominic of Babylon buy Vermont cheese. Above, police helped ensure the public's safety as they crossed Montauk Highway. Photos by Cliff De Bear