Richmond County Fair
The annual Richmond County (Staten Island) Fair began in 1979 and has a little bit of everything. The event benefits the Staten Island Historical Society and Historic Richmond Town.
Historic Richmond Town
RICHMOND COUNTY FAIR
Saturday, September 9th & Sunday, September 10th, 2006
11am-7pm
Includes:
Crafts for children - Compete in the Biggest Baking Contest -Contests Exhibits - Parade Saturday at 1pm - Staten Island’s Largest Chili Cook-Off Contest
Exclusive Entertainment Sponsor, New York Container Terminal, Presents Two Days of Family Fun Including:
King Henry Magic, Sponge Bob Square Pants, Vito Picone and the Elegants, Wahoo Skiffle Crazies Jug Band, Ibble Bibble and Stewzo Puppet Variety Show, American Idol Finalist Kimberley Locke and many more…
Admission:
Adult Single Day $8 Two Day $14
Child (5-12) Single Day $2 Two Day $3
Children under 5 are free
Seniors (65 years) $5 per day
Group (10 or more) $5 per day
Advance Purchase Pricing at Time Warner Cable Payment Center. (for Cable Customers only)
Adult Single Day$7 Two Day $12
Child (5-12) Single Day $1 Two Day $1
Children under 5 are free
Seniors (65 years) $5 per day
Group (10 or more) $5 per day
Free Shuttle sponsored by Borough President James P. Molinaro on Marsh Avenue and Richmond Hill Road behind Macy’s
All proceeds benefit the educational programs of the Staten Island Historical Society and the preservation of Historic Richmond Town.
Staten Island Chat
27th annual Richmond County Fair
(Staten Island, NY, August 28, 2006) May the best stomach win! In addition to the traditional and intriguing foods offered to satisfy folks at the Richmond County Fair, fun-seekers can now test their gullets as they relish the annual event’s newest challenge – a hot dog eating contest.
Time Warner Cable is the presenting sponsor for the fair, which will take place Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on both days. New York Container Terminal is the exclusive entertainment sponsor of the two-day event.
The winner of the 1st Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest, sponsored by the South Shore Kiwanis Club, will receive a $50 gift certificate. The competition in frankfurter consumption will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
“This year, Staten Island’s single largest family event will be more exciting than ever. We’ve added some new twists to the traditional fair events that draw families and visitors from throughout the New York metropolitan area,” said John W. Guild, Executive Director of the Staten Island Historical Society.
SATURDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS
American Idol Finalist Kimberly Locke, who fought the famous Pop battle with Reuben and Clay, is just one of many new acts taking the stage this year at the Richmond County Fair. Ms. Locke will perform at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
As the last female vocalist standing in American Idol Season Two, the versatile Tennessee native signed a contract with Curb Records and is now promoting her second album featuring the single, Supawoman.
Beatlemania: The Tribute, performing on Saturday at 3 p.m., will take baby boomers on a flashback through the 1960s.
Time Warner Cable will be offering a special “meet and greet” appearance from noon to 2 p.m. of Sponge Bob Square Pants.
The village, grounds and streets of Historic Richmond Town will come alive with music, history, laughter and excitement including an opening parade led by the South Shore Band. The parade, including clowns and stilt-walkers, will step off on Saturday, September 9 at 1:00 p.m. and wind its way through the fair grounds.
Old-time favorites returning to the Fair on Saturday include: King Henry Magic Show; Great Kills Five; Dance Express; One Step Ahead Dance; and Great Expectations Dance.
Peter Baron and Staten Island Friends will perform a special tribute to Frankie LaRocka at 6:15 p.m. on Saturday.
SUNDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS
Wahoo Skiffle Crazies Jug Band, making their debut at the Richmond County Fair, offers a local take on country, folk and blues with homemade instruments. They will be in the Tavern all day.
Returning favorites include: Jack Furnari; Puppet Rock; Al Lambert Orchestra; Mad Science of Staten Island; Ibble-Bibble and Stewzo Puppet Show; South Shore Rotary Chorus; and Sound Chaser.
As always, Staten Island’s Vito Picone and the Elegants, will bring the best of the Brylcreem doo-wop era when they close the fair on Sunday.
Former New York Knick John Starks will make an appearance from noon to 2 p.m. during a special “meet and greet” presentation by Time Warner Cable.
ALL WEEKEND LONG
Both days will feature: Robinson’s Racing Pigs; Mayhem Custom Motorcycles; Antique Car Club; New York Fire Department; WKTU; pony and amusement rides.
Also new this year is Traditional Native American dancing, including a teepee and longhouse display.
Living history demonstrations by “Citizens of Richmond Town,” will enliven the event and educate young and old alike. During their stay at Historic Richmond Town, visitors to the Fair can learn more about New York City’s only living history museum complex. Costumed interpreters will introduce fair-goers to such activities as butter churning and blacksmithing, among other activities.
Amusements rides will be open on Friday, September 8 at 6:00 p.m. at the special price of $20 per person for unlimited rides that evening only.
“The Richmond County Fair is the most entertaining and educational family weekend that Staten Island has to offer, period,” said Mark Russo, president of the Russo Picciurro Maloy (RPM) Insurance Agency, Bloomfield, who was chosen by the Staten Island Historical Society to be the fair chairman. “As a child growing up on Staten Island, Historic Richmond Town always had a special allure to it. Even today as I walk the grounds it reminds me of how much fun and knowledge I took away with each visit.”
CONTESTS
All are invited to participate in the Biggest Chili Cook-Off on Staten Island, sponsored by David and Gary Rabin, co-owners of Cargo Café in St. George and Perry’s Catering, Great Kills.
“Staten Islanders – known around the world for their exquisite taste in food – know a good batch of chili when it’s served up right,” said Gary Rabin. “I can’t think of a better and more delicious, cooking contest for the Richmond County Fair.”
The Great Chili Cook Off will take place on Sunday. The rules for all contests can be found on http://www.richmondcountyfair.org.
Bakers can fight for the title of the Island’s best baker on Saturday. Holtermann’s Bakery, Great Kills, sponsors this Richmond County Fair contest.
Crafters can enter their knitting, embroidery, woodworking, quilts, weaving or other pieces in more than 20 categories. There are special categories for children and teenagers. Gardeners can submit their homegrown flowers and vegetables in more than 25 categories.
Athletic types can compete in the Three-Legged Races or the Frisbee Toss among other contests. Future stars can dash for success in the Diaper Derby.
Those with two left feet can try their luck in one of the new contests. Enter your flowing locks in our “Big Hair” contest. For those with fewer tresses there’s our “Barely There” contest. There’s even an event for man’s best friend. The “Doggie Styles” contest will crown Staten Island’s best dressed dogs.
Photographers can enter their original works. Proud parents, grandparents and relatives can submit pictures of their favorite photogenic baby.
FOOD AND FUN
From the traditional to the exotic, the international food offerings will satisfy everyone. This year, visitors can taste the cuisine of Greece and Italy, enjoy American favorites including hot dogs and hamburgers and indulge in ice cream and ices from Ralph’s.
Canlon’s restaurant will be serving chili and knishes; Towne Deli will provide pizza, vegetable rolls, paninis, and rice bowls; Cargo Café will serve up corn dogs, corn on the cob and other all-American treats; and Historic Richmond Town’s own M. Bennett Café will have wraps, salads, breads and pastries.
Children can make wonderful souvenirs of their visit to the Fair for free in a special tent thanks to support from Staten Island businesses and local volunteers.
A number of exhibitors, craftspeople and other vendors will also be on hand providing visitors with information about businesses and services as well as opportunities to shop for handcrafted pieces and other items.
Entertainment Line-Up
Center Street Stage #1
Saturday, September 9, 2006
Noon KTU
1:00 Parade
2:00 South Shore Band
3:00 Beatlemania
4:00 Kimberley Locke
5:00 Great Kills
6:15 Peter Baron
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Noon KTU
1:00 Jack Furnari
2:00 South Shore Rotary
3:00 Al Lambert
4:30 Sound Chaser
5:45 Vito Picone & the Elegants
Center Street Stage #2
Saturday, Sept 9, 2006
2:30-3:00 Dance Express
3:40-4:00 King Henry Magic Show
4:30-5:00 One Step Ahead Dance
5:45-6:10 Great Expectations Dance
Sunday, Sept 10, 2006
1:40-2:00 Dance Expo
2:40-3:00 Puppet Rock
4:00-4:20 Studio Dancers
5:15-5:40 Ibble Bibble & Stewzo
Major Sponsors
This year major sponsors of the Richmond County Fair include Time Warner Cable; New York Container Terminal, Inc.; SI Bank and Trust Foundation; Con Edison; Hudson City Bank; RPM Insurance; Verizon; Rampulla Associates Architects; and SI Bank and Trust.
ADMISSION
Adult Single Day $8, Two Day $14
Child (5-12) Single Day $2, Two Day $3
Children under 5 are free
Seniors (65 years) $5 per day
Group (10 or more) $5 per day
Advance Purchase Pricing at Time Warner Cable Payment Center. (for Cable Customers only)
Adult Single Day $7, Two Day $12
Child (5-12) Single Day $1, Two Day $1
Children under 5 are free
Seniors (65 years) $5 per day
Group (10 or more) $5 per day
Thanks to Borough President James Molinaro, FREE Shuttle bus service direct to the Fair will again be available at Marsh Avenue behind Macy’s at the Staten Island Mall. The hours for the Richmond County Fair are 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Bus service starts at 10:45 a.m.