Longwood Fair Brings History To Life

An annual tradition known to draw thousands, Brookhaven’s Longwood Fair promises a weekend of family fun from Saturday, Sept. 19, to Sunday, Sept. 20, and reenactments galore in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

“We have a lot of great vendors, we have reenactors, and it’s a great event for the family,” said Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle.

Folks will find everything from craft vendors to kids’ activities and a dog show at the pre-1817 Longwood Estate, which graces 35 acres at Longwood and Smith roads in Ridge and is accessible by complimentary shuffle from Longwood Junior High. For $5 per ticket—free for kids 12 and under, the event blends history with multi-generational entertainment from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

New to the fair, according to LaValle, will be a beer garden by Patchogue’s Blue Point Brewing, which joins the variety of food on hand. Long Island’s SouthBound will perform country and rock hits, while history shines with museum tours and a vintage apron show, as well as the reenactors at the heart of the event.

According to LaValle, they “live in all parts of Long Island…and do a great job of showing what camp life was like during Revolutionary and Civil wars, what the soldiers wore, their weapons and how they live. It’s very entertaining to see what they do, and they’re a very dedicated crew.”

While kids enjoy the fun and games, such realistic imagery also captures their interest as the portrayers “really bring everything to life,” LaValle said.

Rescued from development and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Longwood Estate is a gem on Brookhaven's radar to restore to its former glory, one that spans 200 years.