John Jay Homestead Hosts Most Successful Barn Dance and Country Fair Ever
On Saturday and Sunday, September 15 and 16, the Friends of John Jay Homestead hosted their 10th Annual Barn Dance and 15th Annual Country Fair. The weekend was the most successful one ever, with over 600 people of all ages at the Barn Dance, and over 5,000 people at the Country Fair.
The Barn Dance featured seven local bands playing in the bandshell in the back field, along with swimming pig races, children's craftmaking and a delicious barbecue dinner catered by Turco's, with ice cream sundaes for dessert. One of the evening's highlights was surprise guest Chevy Chase, who introduced The Arlen Roth Band. This annual event was co-chaired by Mary Beth Duffy, Nicole Levy, Susan MacGill and Kim Speegle, "The new outdoor venue of the music was a wonderful innovation, " said Kim Speegle, "The kids had plenty of room to run around, and everyone loved the improved sound of the music in the bandshell, courtesy of Westchester County Parks. We're hoping for a bit warmer weather though, next year!"
The Country Fair featured all the traditional events of pony rides, field games, face painting, petting zoo, bake sale, and arts and crafts in a new location around the Main Barn. Pig races took place hourly, and in the bandshell, two bands--Mark Weigel and the Neil Scott Johnson Band--entertained all day.
In the open field below, a falconer gave demonstrations and there were games for the children and hayrides down the Farm Lane. New attractions included henna tattoos and photographer Robin Walton, taking family portraits for holiday cards and other occasions. "We are so grateful to the more than 100 volunteers of all ages who helped make this fair such a huge success." said Barbara Gatfield, Fair co-chair with Alex Hamer. "It is due to all the volunteers that we can put on this great event for the community."
"As we helped park over 2000 cars, we noted that they came from all over the Northeast," said Mackin Pulsifer, Chairman of the Friends of John Jay Homestead. "It's terrific to see so many people enjoying this beautiful old farm while helping raise funds for the restoration, preservation and education programs here at the site. We're especially grateful to our volunteers and our Fair sponsors, Bedford Village Citibank, Lloyd Bedford Cox, Inc. and Arroway Chevrolet Saab Hummer."
Sascha Greenberg, President of the Friends, was running the food tent where fairgoers were served thousands of hot dogs and hamburgers. "I was particularly pleased to once again have teenagers helping in the tent - kids who came to the fair to play games 15 years ago are now volunteering their time. This year, John Needham, one of the original fair organizers, stopped by to see how his daughter was doing, and he ended up flipping burgers for a few hours, just as he did 15 years ago. We are so lucky to have such a committed and growing group of Homestead friends."
The Friends have scheduled next year's Dance/Fair weekend for September 13 and 14th 2008, and don't miss the 5K Road Race scheduled for Sunday October 21st at the Homestead. For more information, please call the Friends office at (914) 232-8119 or www.johnjayhomestead.org.
