Long Island Fair

Description

Checklist

Surface of lot:  paved
Distance to venue:  close to entrance
Terrain:  fairly flat
Places to rest:  benches and picnic tables
Paths and walkways:  most paved, some dirt and gravel to main fair area
Doors:  this is all outdoors
Places to sit:  benches throughout
Location of restrooms:  in Grand Exhibition Hall and portable toilets on the grounds
Type of restroom:  multi-stall, handicapped accessible in building
Ease of entry and exit:  good
Baby changing station:  yes
Available food services:  a variety of food vendors
Friendliness of staff:  very pleasant
Notes:  Multi-stall, handicapped accessible restrooms can be found in the Grand Exhibition Hall. Portable toilets are outdoors in another area of the fair.

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The Long Island Fair, “one of America’s oldest agricultural festivals, is a family-friendly festival offering a range of activities including exotic animals, reptile shows, pony and carnival rides, as well as traditional live music.”  One can “…enjoy magic shows, a petting zoo and historical entertainment.” (website)

The Fair takes place annually on two weekends at the end of September and the beginning of October on the grounds of Old Bethpage Village.  The area that the fair covers is open only during this time. The Grand Exhibition Hall, where the needlework, food items, hobbies, arts and crafts, and other items are housed, is open only when rented for an event.

The Fair has changed over the years.  Although we didn’t raise a large pig or steer, my son participated with an art project when he was was in 4H Club.  We were informed that, although other groups and individuals submit entries, the 4H Club is no longer involved.  Fortunately, there is still a very large pumpkin to guess the weight of, but no livestock.

Parking is in the same large paved lot as the Village, with many handicapped spaces.  The Fair has a separate ticket booth and entrance that is very close to parking. 

As we entered, we were greeted by the old time music of a Brass Band.

We had checked the website and found that the Fair was open on Thursday.  We opted to take advantage of this day to avoid the crowds.  There were fewer events than on the weekends, so if you are planning to go with children, it is probably better go on Saturday or Sunday when the “real action” takes place.  You will be entertained by jugglers, magicians, and mimes.  There are camel rides, elephant shows, concerts and even hot air balloon rides (weather permitting). Food vendors, gift shops, face painters and bounce houses are also present.

We entered the Fair on a paved walkway, but had to traverse some dirt and gravel before we got to the paved walkways around the Fair.  We saw many agricultural items submitted in the hopes of winning a ribbon.  There were very impressive fruits and vegetables, some of which we had never seen before.

Inside the Grand Exhibit Hall was the flower show, needlework, and culinary and hobby items that had already been judged.  Some of the quilts we saw were extraordinary.  All of the crafts showed creativity and hard work.

A multi-stall, handicapped accessible restroom is in this building.  Probably your best bet, since the ones on the fairgrounds are portable toilets.

While walking the Fair, we noticed that there were benches and picnic areas.  We sat down and enjoyed some comic entertainment and had a delightful time.

As always, we at Destination Accessible, advise you to check a venue’s website, www.lifair.org when planning a visit, to “know before you go.”

Location

Nearby