Columbus Day weekend is here, and that means it’s time for the Riverhead Country Fair.
The fair, which is celebrating its 44th year Sunday, is an annual ritual for local farmers, crafters, artisans, bakers and vegetable decorators who hope to snag a prize in one of the fair’s many contest categories.
Hundreds of vendors and food trucks from all across Long Island will sell their wares along the riverfront and on Main Street, which will be closed to vehicle traffic for the event. There will also be carnival rides and live music.
The event draws thousands of people to downtown Riverhead each year.
One of the largest festivals in all of New York State, the roots of the Riverhead Country Fair go back much further than 44 years – all the way to the 1840s. It was held every year until the Great Depression, when it was held “only erratically” until a group of residents decided in 1976 to resurrect the event, according to the late longtime coordinator of the fair, Jim Lull.
The weather forecast for Country Fair day looks good: mostly sunny, with highs in the mid-60s, according to the National Weather Service.
The fair will open at 10 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. on Sunday.
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