When was the last time you had a good piece of pie? If you said last Thanksgiving then you’re way overdue. It’s time to get your little pie-starved self down to the Stonington Borough Village Green on Saturday, August 5th for their 65thannual Fair. Once there, you can indulge in scrumptious pies of various flavors, and enjoy all the other foods and activities that are a part of this wonderful event in the Westerly area.
Not a pie fan? Well how about some “hots and hams,” hot or cold soups from the Soup Garden, lobster rolls, sweet bread, or Italian ice? If you’re not a foodie then perhaps you’d be interested in the unique homemade crafts on “Artisan Row,” or gently used and rare books at bargain prices. If you are the quintessential bargain hunter then you’ll be eager to visit the fair’s “Treasures and Trifles” section where you can find one of a kind thrift shop items.
Susan Scala is the the local artist who created the Stonington Fair poster, which also dons the Billboard on the way into the borough, and she’ll be present at the fair this year as well, in case you want to meet and greet her. 
Beth-Ann Stewart, Executive Director of the Stonington Community Center (C.O.M.O.) and sponsor of this event, shared:
“One of my Fair favorites is the Pie Bake Off – Fair goers can purchase these amazing pies by the full pie or slice. Local bakers are encouraged to enter this amateur contest judged by local chef celebrities, Adam Young of Sift Bake Shop in Mystic and Walter Houlihan of Water Street Cafe. It’s great fun to watch the judging process.”
Proceeds from the Fair benefit the C.O.M.O., a local non-profit organization which focuses on strengthening families and the local community.
For the small fries (children that is, not spuds), there are various fair games to play such as tossing footballs at a target, jumping in a Bounce House, playing Plinko, and more. If they wish, children can even have their faces painted as a tangible memory of their day at the Fair.
If you’ve never attended the Stonington Village Fair and are need of a little encouragement to stop by, then take a moment to imagine a time when the world was a little slower, a lot less hi-tech or maybe even pre-tech. Imagine a time when people would gather on village greens, such as the one in Stonington Borough, to partake of delicious summer foods, socialize, listen to good music, and purchase a few items to remember the day and brighten their homes.
If the weather cooperates, fair-goers will also enjoy dappled sun piercing through the tall, strong trees on the green of this picturesque historic village, complete with hydrangeas dotting the streets, picket fences, and the occasional sound of church bells ringing in the air. It is well worth the trip.
So, come for the fair and then take some time to explore the rest of the borough that surrounds it. Visit the shops, photograph the many beautiful historic businesses and homes, walk to Stonington point and enjoy the view of Rhode Island and New York as you look across Little Narraganset Bay.
For curious readers and history buffs, the very first Fair was held on August 14, 1952 to commemorate the 1814 Battle of Stonington. In this battle, four Royal Navy Ships attacked Stonington’s seaport in an attempt to destroy it.
For several days, a very small band of Stonington villagers, mostly teenagers, fought back and were victorious. The squadron of British ships finally gave up and left. Visitors can still see the cannons, proudly on display in the borough, and a plaque commemorating the battle at Stonington Point, just a fifteen-minute walk from the Village Fair.
Visitors who are in the Westerly area on Saturday, August 5th are graciously invited to join the locals for this traditional New England Fair. It starts at 11:00 AM and ends at 4:00 PM. Admission is free. The Village green is easily accessible, close to on street parking, and the landscape is flat for easy walking. Leashed dogs are also welcome to attend the Fair with their humans.
Directions: From Route 1 in Stonington, turn onto Scenic 1A and follow the signs to the borough. The Fair destination is just minutes down the road at 20 High Street for those in need of an address to plug into their GPS systems. For further information contact the C.O.M.O. at 860.535.2476 or visit their website.
