The photos in the slideshow below as well as those included in the article at the end were provided by Damian (Waldo) Cassadine:

This year’s event was the biggest ever, with so many options for family friendly entertainment.  It’s a great way to spend a day with kids and parents both finding things they can enjoy. Games, face painting, historical depictions of old time crafts, and much more, all in one place with a festival atmosphere. 

Staten Islanders have loved this extra special holiday weekend celebration for decades.  Historic Richmond Town is also a worthwhile cause to support, which is accomplished by buying a ticket, as they preserve the history of this interesting and varied borough.  From their historical preservation of books, collectibles, memorabilia, buildings, and more, Historic Richmond Town allows our neighbors and school children to learn more about this outlier place they call home. 

This island is a special place with a unique character and consciousness among its people.  One seldom explored way is through its treatment of the deceased. Unlike other New Yorkers, Staten Islanders will not have to anticipate an experience of being completely forgotten and un-findable after death, being in an unmarked grave in a Potter’s Field in the Bronx.  Everyone, from the stillborn newborn to the indigent resident to the unhoused person living on the streets – all are given a burial in a proper Cemetery with a headstone, done by a borough official at the insistence of the residents. Check back next week for more details on the charity connected to this effort. 

Our biggest fundraiser, the Richmond County Fair!

Staten Island’s annual community celebration and Historic Richmond Town’s biggest fundraiser.

Since 1980, Historic Richmond Town has proudly hosted the Richmond County Fair. Each Labor Day weekend, more than 15,000 visitors gather on our historic campus, transformed into a vibrant 25-acre festival celebrating community, culture, and tradition. Rather than a formal gala, the Fair serves as our “people’s gala” and remains our most important annual fundraiser. Every ticket purchased directly supports our mission to preserve and share Staten Island’s history.

Historic Richmond Town is New York City’s most complete outdoor living history village and open-air museum. Founded in 1856, the organization restores and interprets a historic village, operates a historical museum, and collects and preserves material culture to inspire engagement with and understanding of the diverse histories of Staten Island.

Proceeds from the Richmond County Fair sustain the care and preservation of 38 historic structures across 112 acres and multiple sites under our stewardship. Your support also enables us to deliver educational programming to more than 25,000 students each year.

Historic Richmond Town is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are deeply grateful to our corporate sponsors, community partners, and all who attend the Fair. Your support makes this work possible. See you at the Fair!