41st Annual Riverhead Country Fair Kicks Off Sunday

RIVERHEAD, NY — It wouldn't be Columbus Day weekend without the Riverhead Country Fair.

The popular event kicks off Sunday on the Peconic Riverfront and in downtown Riverhead, featuring local artists' work, agricultural and homemaking displays and competitions, authors, entertainers, local merchants, food, amusements and rides, pony rides, business expositions and displays and food, food, food.

The event, which covers more than 100,000 square feet, is a year-long work in progress, with local elected officials, first responders, the Chamber of Commerce, local merchants, Scouts, sponsors and more all collaborating to create the family friendly event, a townwide "little block party", according to the Riverhead Country Fair website.

The fair is also one of the largest festivals in New York State.

"The fair is a great time for people of all ages," past organizer Mary Ellen Ellwood told Patch in 2013. "There is something for everyone. Lots of great food and drinks, and fabulous entertainment."

With ties to Riverhead's rich past, agricultural, homemaking and needlecraft exhibits and competitions are held, with over 200 categories to enter.

The Riverhead Country Fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission is free.

Patch file photo by Lisa Finn.