Old Bethpage Village Seeks Volunteers for Long Island Fair in October

Old Bethpage Village Restoration is recruiting volunteers for one of the area’s most treasured annual events, the Long Island Fair, announced Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi. Now in its 167th year and one of the nation’s oldest agricultural festivals, the Long Island Fair takes place this year at Old Bethpage Village from October 1 - 4.

Volunteers will serve in a variety of ways, from assisting with the farm animals to judging a range of competitions. Volunteers must be willing to serve at least one day and attend an orientation meeting one week before the Fair. Additionally, volunteers must be a minimum of 14 years of age (working papers are required for anyone under 18). For more information or an application, call (516) 572-8416, or write to: Village Coordinator, Long Island Fair, Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, NY 11804. Potential volunteers can also visit www.lifair.org.

The Long Island Fair, which maintains much of the historical ambiance of a 19th-century fair, draws thousands of visitors each year with a variety of family-friendly attractions, including an interactive farm, pony and wagon rides, puppet shows, magicians, musical performances, and the amazing “Flying Horses Carousel.” In addition, there are a number of traditional contests, including corn husking, potato sack races and 19th-century “base ball” games.

Old Bethpage Village provides visitors with the opportunity to step back in time and experience life in a recreated mid-19th-century American village set on more than 200 acres and boasting some 50 historic buildings. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday - Sunday. Entrance fees are $7 for children 5 - 12 (those under 5 are free), seniors and volunteer firefighters; and $10 for adults. OBVR is located on Round Swamp Road in Old Bethpage (exit 48 on the LIE); for more information, call 516-572-8400.