Community Corner
Borough Buzzing About Collingswood May Fair
Residents look forward to Collingswood's 32nd-annual May Fair, which will take place this Saturday.
What’s the latest buzz in Collingswood? The borough is gearing up for its largest event of the year—May Fair. The 32nd-annual , hosted by Collingswood Partners, will be held along Haddon Avenue this Saturday. Last year, an estimated 50,000 people were documented to be in attendance, enjoying 200-plus artists, crafters and vendors, whose work is displayed all along the avenue. Whether it’s warm funnel cake, pony rides,live music, or unique artwork, the fair has something for all ages and interests.
In this week's installment of Borough Beeswax, residents discuss what draws them to Collingswood's exciting event.
“I think I’ve been to (May Fair) twice in the past five years,” says Tina Williams, who will be moving to Collingswood permanently next month.
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“I really like the artwork—mostly the eclectic stuff,” said Williams. “I’m not your typical department store shopper. I love it when artists come together.”
When asked what she looks forward to most, Williams didn't skip a beat before responding.
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“Seeing my son’s smiling face,” said Williams of bringing her 6-year-old son, Luca, to the fair he looks forward to each year.
“He gets so happy! He loves the music and dancing,” she said said.
For the little ones, May Fair offers many enticing attractions sure to bring smiles to every face—kids and parents alike. The Kid Zone will feature pony rides, carnival games, rides, and child-friendly crafters.
But 6-year-olds aren’t the only ones looking forward to May Fair attractions. Friends Chelsey Allen, 18, and Caitlin Cline, 17, are excited as well.
“I like the goldfish toss,” said Allen with a laugh, adding that she's known to win goldfish in carnival ball-toss games.
“I’ve been going (to May Fair) ever since I was little,” continued Allen, who's lived in Collingswood 13 years. “I always liked the moon bounce, too!”
Cline, a lifelong Collingswood resident, also appreciates May Fair's smaller delights.
“My favorite part of the May Fair, now that I’m older, walking around and seeing how excited all the kids get,” said Cline.
Clines job bussing tables at That’s Amore! restaurant, will provide her a front-row seat at the 2011 May Fair. Cline will be working at the restaurant’s outdoor tent, serving grilled foods.
“To me, (the event) is a really great thing for our town, (as it) brings more people to Collingswood,” said Cline.
“And just a great tradition,” added Allen.
However, this year's May Fair will be a brand new tradition for some.
Couple Sarah Jamieson, 24, and Jim Kiernan, 25, moved into Collingswood’s Lumberyard Condominiums last May, and will be attending May Fair for the first time this coming weekend.
“I worked at an art gallery at Monmouth University, so I’m really interested in seeing the art,” said Jamieson. “Monmouth always had different shows, so I’d like to see how the art compares (here).”
While her friend looks forward to the visual, Kiernan anticipates using other senses.
“I’m really looking forward to the live bands and the food,” said Kiernan.
And with foods ranging from cotton candy to pulled-pork to funnel cake, those attending should come hungry.
And live music makes for a great way to enjoy May Fair treats. Five stages of live music will showcase a wide variety of genres—including blues, rock, folk and more.
Others simply enjoy May Fair's warm weather.
“My wife and I usually go every year,” said Andrew Levecchia, 38. “We bring the dog, too.”
In the 10 years he's lived in the area, Levecchia's enjoyed attending May Fair with his wife, Naomi, and their apricot Poodle, Orli.
“I like being outside and at an event,” said Levecchia. “There are a lot of people who come, and it’s just nice to be outside.”
Levecchia also enjoys the May Fair auto show, which features displays and contests for antique and classic cars, as well as Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Hopefully, the recent—and very wet—spring weather has come to an end, and skies will be clear and sunny during May Fair. From delicious food to live music to arts and crafts, it's a day sure to be filled with fun—for residents and out-of-towners alike.
