FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Historic Richmond Town’s 43rd-Annual Richmond County Fair
STATEN ISLAND, NY: From Saturday, Sept. 2 through Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, 12-8 p.m, Historic Richmond Town will host its 43rd-Annual Richmond County Fair. Since 1895, the Richmond County Fair has been a staple of Staten Island, showcasing local products, entertainment, and competitions reflective of the borough’s vibrant community. For 43 years, Historic Richmond Town has hosted this annual celebration, opening its landmark campus to over 15,000 visitors each Labor Day Weekend.
The Richmond County Fair combines classic fairground festivities with a unique touch of Staten Island history, including inside access to many of the site’s historic structures and signature demonstrations of historical trades by costumed interpreters. “Staten Island is an amazing community and it is our honor and privilege to host our county’s fair.” says Historic Richmond Town CEO, Jessica B. Phillips. “Whether you come to enjoy the live music at the bandstand, sausage and peppers from Montalbano’s, or compete for a prize in one of the many free contests, the Richmond County Fair fundraiser has something for everyone and benefits a great cause: keeping NYC’s only living history village alive and thriving for generations to come.”
Proceeds from the Richmond County Fair support the education, preservation, and restoration efforts of Historic Richmond Town. Founded in 1856, Historic Richmond Town is the only living history village in New York City. The organization works to interpret and restore forty houses and structures across 100 acres of four distinct properties, including the largest collection of New York State’s oldest homes. The non-profit provides educational programming to more than 25,000 students each year, and preserves over 100,000 material artifacts to inspire engagement with and understanding of the diverse histories of Staten Island.
About the event
DATES & HOURS: September 2, 3, and 4 from 12 to 8 p.m.
TICKETS:
This year’s fair will operate with extended hours, 12-8 p.m. daily. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online and in advance beginning August 1 at 12 p.m. Tickets are also available at the gate.
Adults (12+): $15
HRT Members: $10
Seniors (65+): $10
Children (6-11): $5
Children (0-5): Free
VENDORS
Over 100 vendors will line the streets of Historic Richmond Town to sell t-shirts, antiques, and everything in between. On-site eats, Egger’s Ice Cream and Main Street Coffee, are joined by food trucks from across NYC to showcase their best-in-fair fare, some favorites among them, sausage and peppers, empanadas, lobster rolls, rice balls, mac and cheese, fried chicken, funnel cakes, kettle corn, and zeppoles. Interested vendors should visit https://www.historicrichmondtown.org/vendor-info for more information.
AMUSEMENTS
Each year, Historic Richmond Town is transformed into a bustling midway. Visitors can try their luck at a variety of carnival games and classic rides all weekend long. The fair is packed with an array of attractions and activities for children including bounce houses, pony rides, three-legged races, bingo tournaments, a home run derby, aerial shows, crafts, competitions, and more. Stroll through the village and encounter roving stilt walkers, jugglers, balloon artists, storytellers, and a flying flea circus. Adults can have a throw at the fair’s wine toss.
CONTESTS
Whether one fancies themself a speed eater or an expert grower, there’s a contest for everyone at the Richmond County Fair. This year’s fair will see the return of a long-held tradition under a new name, Historic Richmond Town’s Locally Grown Contest. Contest rules and entry forms are available at www.historicrichmondtown.org/rcf.
SPONSORS
The fair’s generous sponsors help to support the success of Historic Richmond Town’s fundraising as well as to expand the reach of its mission. Corporate sponsors likewise enjoy a number of high-impact benefits to promote brand visibility. This year’s fair is sponsored by Spectrum News NY1, Atlantic Salt, AARP, Richmond University Medical Center, ProSho Sound Services, Applebee’s, and Mark’s Bake Shoppe. Businesses that are interested in corporate sponsorship opportunities should write to aandron@historicrichmondtown.org.
MUSIC
The fair’s main stage will host live performances both from new talent and returning favorites alike, including a headline performance by Vito Picone & The Elegants (details forthcoming). For the complete lineup of performers, please visit www.historicrichmondtown.org/rcf.
LIVING HISTORY
Enjoy the village’s restored structures and manicured grounds, while taking part in the historic trades of Staten Island’s past including tinsmithing, blacksmithing, carpentry, broom making, and open hearth cooking.
CULTURE CRAWL
The Staten Island Culture Crawl will line the fair’s main entrance along Richmond Road with displays from local non-profits, civic institutions, and community organizations. Culture Crawl reflects the rich cultural fabric of Staten Island, providing exhibitors the opportunity to promote mission awareness, advertise upcoming events, and cultivate membership. Interested organizations should write to crdefillo@historicrichmondtown.org.
VOLUNTEER
Historic Richmond Town’s flagship fundraiser is made possible by the tireless work and dedication of its volunteers. The Richmond County Fair is a fun and fast-paced environment with opportunities to volunteer in areas including hospitality, wayfinding, retail, and logistics. Interested community members should visit our website or email gselogy@historicrichmondtown.org.
###
About Historic Richmond Town:
Historic Richmond Town is dedicated to interpreting and restoring a living history village, operating a historical museum, and collecting and preserving material culture to inspire engagement with and understanding of the diverse histories of Staten Island. Historic Richmond Town preserves and maintains 40 historic structures over 112 acres across four unique sites on Staten Island. The main site is a living history village featuring the Historical Museum that showcases the vast collection through engaging exhibitions. Historic Richmond Town offers public tours, membership, lectures, workshops, over a dozen special events and a variety of educational programs. A visit to Historic Richmond Town is an immersive step into history.
Historic Richmond Town is a non-profit educational cultural institution. Programs and events help raise funds to support the mission. Historic Richmond Town is operated by the Staten Island Historical Society, a Section 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation instituted and incorporated in 1856.
Press Contact:
Amy Kennard
Director of External Affairs, Historic Richmond Town
akennard@historicrichmondtown.org
718-351-1611, ex. 266