May Fair Brings 1 Mile of Music, Food and Fun

Residents and visitors alike—an estimated 50,000 or more—flooded Collingswood’s business district Saturday for a picture perfect May Fair.

This is the 32nd year Collingswood has hosted May Fair, an all-day event that features artisans, musicians, rides, games and food along a 1-mile stretch of Haddon Avenue.

It was a day, simply put, that had “something for everyone,” said organizer Terry Seeley, director of Collingswood Partners.

And everyone seemed in a party mood as May Fair helped kick off the unofficial start of summer.

“This is awesome. This is the best place to be,” said Daniel Cabrera, as he served up food outside his eatery El Sitio. “This is a wonderful event for the locals. We have such great people here today.”

El Sitio’s food, including the popular empanadas, was just one option at May Fair. From pulled pork sandwiches, Italian sausages and crab cakes to water ice, funnel cake and fries galore, May Fair-goers had no shortage of choices.

The wares of more than 200 artisans and crafters also were on display along the fair route. Whether visitors sought pet treats, candles, leather belts, jewelry or children’s clothes, it could all be found on Haddon Avenue.

Mt. Laurel resident Annmarie Arena, who has visited the May Fair for three years with her friends, took the opportunity to buy a quilt from the Collingswood Presbyterian Church.

“We love coming here every year. If the weather’s good, we’re here,” she said.

“And I’m the one carrying everything she buys,” joked husband Joe Arena.

For those not noshing or buying, five stages along the route featured musical acts all day long. The booming sounds of Top 40, rock, blues and folk groups rang out as crowds moved along the street.

May Fair day dawned bright and sunny, putting to rest any fears of needing to reschedule. The temperatures reached the mid-80s, but the sheer mass of people inundating Haddon Avenue seemed to up the warmth by “20 degrees,” one fair-goer said. The weather held out all day until just before 5 p.m., when a brief but powerful downpour soaked the ending minutes of the event.

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