FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Historic Richmond Town’s 44th-Annual Richmond County Fair
STATEN ISLAND, NY: From Saturday, August 31 through Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, 12-8 p.m, Historic Richmond Town will host its 44th-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 44 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. “We are thrilled to welcome everyone to our 44th-Annual Richmond County Fair,” says Historic Richmond Town CEO, Jessica B. Phillips. “This event is more than just a fair; it's a celebration of our community's spirit and heritage. From the exhilarating live performances to the delicious food and engaging contests, there's something for everyone. This fundraiser not only brings us together for a weekend of fun but also supports our mission to keep New York City's living history village thriving. Join us as we honor our past, enjoy our present, and build our future together.”
This year’s fair will feature an exciting partnership with War Cannon Spirits. The Upstate New York-based distillery, located between Forts Crown Point and Ticonderoga along the shores of Lake Champlain, is steeped in the local history of the Adirondacks. Guests twenty-one and over will enjoy War Cannon whiskey and cocktail tastings in Historic Richmond Town’s 1820s Tavern, evoking the public houses of centuries past. Behind the Tavern, fair goers can visit an American Revolutionary War encampment, featuring costumed interpreters, musket demonstrations, and activities for young visitors, as our borough, state, and nation prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
This year’s fair is generously sponsored by ProSho Sound Services, War Cannon Spirits, AARP New York, Robert DeFalco Realty, Richmond University Medical Center, Mark’s Bake Shoppe, Clark’s House of Flowers, Applebee’s, and the Richmond County Orchestra.
Proceeds from the Richmond County Fair support the education, preservation, and restoration efforts of Historic Richmond Town. Historic Richmond Town is a remarkable living-history village and museum site that evokes hundreds of years of history, community, and culture on Staten Island. With 38 historic structures on more than 100 acres of preserved land, Historic Richmond Town is just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, and a unique glimpse into the City’s rural past.
About the event
DATES & HOURS
August 31, September 1, and September 2 from 12 to 8 p.m.
TICKETS
This year’s fair will operate from 12 to 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.
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 the Historic Richmond Town 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. 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, and witness demonstrations of historic trades and skills 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 https://www.historicrichmondtown.org/rcf-volunteer-signup or write to gselogy@historicrichmondtown.org.
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About Historic Richmond Town:
Historic Richmond Town interprets and restores a living history village, operates a historical museum, and collects and preserves material culture to inspire engagement with and understanding of Staten Island's diverse histories. The organization maintains and preserves 38 historic structures, including the largest collection of the oldest houses in New York State, and oversees over 112 acres of preserved land across four unique sites on Staten Island. It also safeguards more than 60,000 historic artifacts, 50,000 photographs, and 1,400 linear feet of archives. Through a wide range of creative and interpretive public programs, workshops, exhibitions, and guided tours, Historic Richmond Town immerses the public in centuries of history.
Press Contact:
Amy Kennard
Director of External Affairs, Historic Richmond Town
akennard@historicrichmondtown.org
718-351-1611, ex. 266