Cow Neck Fair A Family Success

A little rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of the many Port Washington families that came out to the Cow Neck Historical Society’s Country Fair this past Saturday. In fact, many visitors enjoyed standing on the wide covered porch of the Sands Willets house, listening to banjo and fiddle music, and sampling free homemade cookies handed out by volunteers, while waiting for the rain to stop.

This year’s fair began with a ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by Councilwoman Dina DiGiorgio and Town Clerk Leslie Gross. As usual, homemade pies and local honey were popular items, and sold briskly. This year, a new Country Store was created in the historic barn. Also new this year was the 1909 restored race car — the Alco Black Beast – which was started with a loud roar and belch of smoke each hour to the delight of children and adults.

A highlight of the day was the “Oh My! Oh Pie!” pie-eating contest, judged by Angela Susan Anton and sponsored by Anton Newspapers,publisher of The Port Washington News. The youngest contestants, aged 6 and 5-3/4 years old had a bit of advantage sharing one pie with two forks (adults were not allowed to use utensils). At the blast of the air horn, the eating frenzy began and the huge crowd cheered on their favorites. After 10 minutes, Ritchie Verde was proclaimed the triumphant winner.

Sherri Suzzan, creative director for the arts of the Port Washington School District, was on hand to judge the many entries in the Children’s Art Contest. All entries were displayed on the side of the barn and included paintings of pony rides, face painting, a dinosaur at the fair and many incredible renderings of the barn and Sands-Willets House. Resident Artists Larry and Lynne Chrapliwy were on hand to coach the young artists and give details about the art classes now underway at the Sands-Willets House. Kaitlin Caginale, 11 years old, won first place for her painting of the barn and Ellie Ciolfi age 6 years old won first place for her picture of the barn and the pony rides.

According to the Cow Neck Historical Society’s President, Chris Bain, the fair was a great success and had record turnouts, despite the rain. The Society wishes to thank its volunteers, contributors, vendors, and all who made the Fair possible.

The Historical Society’s next event is the Holiday Fair on December 7, at the Sands-Willets house. Sponsors say come prepared for delicious homemade treats, wonderful treasures for holiday gifts , gingerbread houses, surprise visitors for the kids, and maybe even a new contest or two.

The Society looks forward to welcoming neighbors and friends to the Holiday Fair and volunteers are always welcome. For more information, or to volunteer, contact info@cowneck.org. Visit the organization’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CNPHS) for additional pictures from the Country Fair.