New vendors, visitors flock to expanded street fair

Alea Bell Guest Writer

Beaded necklaces, belly dancing, a cappella, and Ecuadorian wool hats: Raymond Avenue is never as eclectic and energetic as it is every fall during the Arlington Street Fair. Since its inception eight years ago, the event has offered a warm welcome to freshmen students and parents for Parents’ Weekend, and an exciting welcome back to the rest of the Vassar campus.

The Fair, held on Saturday, Sept. 30, featured 100 arts, crafts and food vendors, musical entertainment, kid-friendly rides and games, and, of course, the highly anticipated Fifth Annual Chili Cookout, which boasted such judges as Dean of the College JJ Jackson, the Town of Poughkeepsie Supervisor Pat Myers, and the Arlington School Superintendent Frank Pepe.

Turnout did not appear to suffer from the light rain either, as the area was packed with local families and members of the Vassar community alike.

The event is organized by the Arlington Special Events Committee. “The Arlington Special Events Committee meets yearlong and gets input from residences and businesses in Arlington, including Vassar,” said Andrew Meade, Assistant to the Dean of the College and Director of Internal and International Services and Special Projects.

Meade is also the chair of the Arlington Special Events Committee, which is a sub-division of the Arlington Business Improvement District (BID) that organizes other local events.

The Fair’s considerable expansion was made possible through the sponsorship of the BID, the College, the Vassar Student Association (VSA), and, for the first time, Clear Channel Radio, a group of radio stations in Poughkeepsie. Clear Channel contributed greatly to the growth of the fair, publicizing it in advance to attract vendors as well as visitors.

Originally, the Arlington Street Far was first held on a portion of Collegeview Avenue, but it has since changed considerably. Three years ago, the Fair moved to its current location on Raymond Ave, and it grew big enough to justify blocking off the busy street. “It was also a safety issue, having families crossing Raymond Ave,” added Meade.

The involvement of Vassar students and workforce has also increased over the years, representing the community cohesion that the Fair is meant to provide. “One strength of the fair is that the VSA and students really take ownership of it,” said Meade. One of the most popular events this year was watching the Barefoot Monkeys perform on stilts. Another highlight of the day was Hip Hop 101, which took control of the dance floor and MC-ed all day.

The Arlington Street Fair seems to be one of the only events that truly succeeds in bringing the Arlington community and the Vassar community together. From various entertainers to the Chili Cookoff judges, the Arlington Street Fair has facilitated a community experience for attendees. Plus, it’s always better than doing homework on a Saturday.