Tilly Foster Country Fair Officially Opens
It was a blustery start to Putnam’s first effort to host a 4th of July holiday event when dignitaries and guests gathered in Southeast to cut the ribbon and launch the opening of the Tilly Foster Country Fair on Thursday.
County Executive MaryEllen Odell, Deputy County Executive Bruce Walker, Legislator Carl Albano, Legislator Ginny Nacerino, Legislator Barbara Scuccimarra, Legislator Lou Tartaro and Undersheriff Peter Convery were among those present at the ribbon cutting.
“Well, we can’t say it wasn’t exciting,” said Odell. “But the worst of the weather will be over tomorrow morning and we’re in for a glorious weekend. So pack up the kids and come to the fair.”
The fair was the brainchild of Walker who wanted to bring the public onto the county-owned property to have fun and to learn about the future of the 199-acre former horse breeding farm
“Everyone who has participated in the meetings we have held over the last few months – both the public and Putnam officials – are excited about the prospects for Tilly Foster Farm,” said Walker. “The Country Fair is just our way of enticing as many other residents as we can to come onto the farm proper, learn about its future, see how we plan to accomplish our goals and enjoy a country fair at the same time.”
Homestyle Catering’s Al Ciuffetelli, Putnam County Golf Course General Manager Mike McCall and Tourism Director Libby Pataki have been organizing the event which is being sponsored by the county, Putnam County Tourism, Homestyle Caterers and the Putnam County Golf Course.
Ciuffetelli was responsible for contracting with All Star Amusements whose carnival rides and games fill the front pasture bordering Route 312. And, as a special added attraction, Ciuffetelli has arranged for a Petting Zoo to be present at the farm from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday. A good old-fashioned pie eating contest for adults and children has also been added to the roster of events and will be held on Saturday, July 5th at 7 p.m.
Ciuffetelli and McCall booked local bands to perform throughout the 4-day fair. Tom Dowd and Buried in Blue (July 3, cancelled due to weather); Rich Kelly and the New Fiction (July 4); Stone Hill (July 5); and Slick Trixie (July 6). Each band will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. Radio station KICKS 105.5 will be live from the fair on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m.
Fair hours are 4 to 11 p.m. on Thurs., July 3 and Fri., July 4. The fair will be open on Sat., July 5 from 1 to 11 p.m. and on Sun., July 6 from 1 to 8 p.m. (later if Southeast fireworks have been postponed from July 4th.)
Visitors are reminded that due to safety regulations, no open flame grilling and open alcohol containers will be allowed for the duration of the event.
Entrance to the Country Fair is free as is parking. Tickets for the carnival rides may be purchased singly at $1 each or $25 for an unlimited ride wristband.
For further information and to see a color layout of the Tilly Foster Country Fair, please go to: visitputnam.org/countryfair.
