By NEAL RENTZ
A popular local tradition will continue next week when the 63rd Lewisboro Library Fair returns. The only year the event was not held was 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, library program coordinator, Liz Gabriele, said this week.
The event is more than a one-day gathering. It will begin with book pre-sales starting Wednesday, Sept. 18, with the fair to be held Saturday, Sept. 21, as well as a sale day on Sunday.
The fair has “something for everyone,” Gabriele said.
The fair and all related events will be held at Onatru Farm Park, located at 99 Elmwood Road, South Salem.
The fair will take place, rain or shine, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some of the highlights include a car show, a beer and wine garden, a dunk tank with local celebrities (including local teachers and school district administrator) taking the plunge, food trucks and booths and music.
The event will also offer several shopping opportunities, including a book sale, an Attic Treasures Sale, a silent auction and a vendor market.
“There is also a ‘Kids Zone’ with multiple activities such as a bouncy house, a fairy garden workshop and face painting and more,” Gabriele said. “We are very excited about several new additions to the Kids Zone, including performers and a bracelet entry fee to access attractions all day long.”
The annual event financially supports the library, Gabriele said.
“The proceeds go directly into the operating fund to support the day-to-day operations of the library,” Gabriele noted. “The fair is our largest fundraiser to support the library. While the library does receive town funding, it must raise over 25% of its budget through fundraisers and other initiatives. Secondly, as one of the largest events held annually in Lewisboro, the fair is a great way to bring the community together, whether as attendees, volunteers, or local vendors and community groups who want to get the word out about their services.”
One of the new programs being introduced this year will be held earlier in the week. There will be the adult book sale Sept. 18, from 5 to 9 p.m., Gabriele said. The new sale is being presented in response to calls from town residents for a night only for Lewisboro residents, she said.
The adult and the children’s book pre-sale is Thursday, Sept. 19, at 5 p.m. Admission is free for Lewisboro residents and $25 for nonresidents. The book pre-sales continues on Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with free admission for all.
In addition, the Attic Treasures pre-sale begins Sept 19, from 5 to 9 p.m. Only VIP ticket holders will be able to shop all of Attic Treasures that evening, Gabriele said, adding non-VIP ticket holders can shop for sporting goods only on that night. There is also an opportunity to shop Attic Treasures on Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a $25 admission fee at the door; VIP ticket holders can shop for free, she noted.
Fair-related events will conclude with an after-sale of book and Attic Treasures bargains Sunday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A VIP ticket grants early access to the Attic Treasures on the night of Sept. 19 for up to three people, one priority parking spot on fair day, two raffle tickets, two beer tickets and two free book vouchers. VIP tickets, which are $75, can be purchased online through the library website or in person at the library, which is located at 15 Main St., South Salem. The VIP tickets will not be available for sale on fair day.
For more fair information call 914-875-9004 or visit lewisborolibrary.org