Annual Peru Fair draws out the crowds

The skies were blue, the weather warm, perfect for the 34th Annual Peru Fair on Saturday, Sept. 28. This old-fashioned town fair  actually started life in 1979 as the World’s Largest Tag Sale. Now, however, it boasts more than 100 vendors. And it draws folks from all over for food, fellowship and fun, as well as music and the many artists and craftspeople who line the streets, shaded beneath tents. Proceeds from ticket and booth sales go to a scholarship fund for high schoolers attending college. All photos by Cynthia Prairie. Click any photo to launch the gallery.

John Acosta, of the Peru Fire Department, watches over pigs roasting on a spit on Saturday morning. Cooking started the evening before for the Peru Fair. Accompanying the slow-cooked pork were beans, apple sauce, cole slaw and bread. Proceeds benefit the fire department.

The fair is always kicked off with a parade of cars and the various performance artists who will be performing throughout the day.

Unicyclists and bicyclists join in the parade.

Actors Anonymous from Long Trail School performed, raising money to go to the Edinburgh Fringe festival in Scotland next year.

A refurbished J.J. Hapgood vehicle ushers in the new J.J. Hapgood store, which will reopen under new ownership soon.

Nordic Harmoni singers filled the parade route with song.

Saxtons River artist Debbi Wetzel displays some of her works.

Pedestrians walk along Main Street, visiting each other and the booths of the 34th Annual Peru Fair.

My Yng Nam, whose sister, Youngla Nam owns Flavors of Asia of Rutland, serves up some tasty Korean fare, including homemade kimchi.

Laura Chandler of Chandler Four Corners designs 100-percent wool rugs, chair covers and pillows.

Pony rides were available for the littler riders.

Bob Ray & Co. performed throughout the day.

Vivian O’Hara, right, and her mother, Raquel, oversee the service at the booth for the Bart Center for Adaptive Sports, selling roasted corn. Vivian is a skier at the center.

Like honey for bees, Pitchfork Preserves of Pawlet attracts a lot of attention.

Children and adults alike were taken with the alpacas from Snow Angel Alpacas of Bromley.

From right, Libby Nunnikhoven and brother Jack man the family’s Grandma Miller’s booth. Libby is owner of South Derry Scoops.

Hugo Gauto of the Russell Inn on Main Street in Peru prepares traditional Argentine beef on a grill.

The Wild Country Cloggers keep the excitement up.

Judy Lidie of Grace and Miss Mouse Soaps speaks with a customer while Actors Anonymous prepares to perform.

George Ainley & Co. had the world by the strings.

Potter Shari Zabriskie of Brattleboro is fond of octypus and birch bark, as evidenced in her works.

Three kids participate in an improptu sack race.