This newspaper clipping from the Aug. 4, 1977, East Hampton Star advertises the upcoming Fisherman's Fair at Ashawagh Hall, benefiting the Springs Improvement Society. The ad is from the Springs Historical Society Archive.
Traditionally, the Fisherman's Fair is an event driven by people living and working in the community, with local residents creating posters advertising the event. Past Fisherman's Fairs were often a blend of several fund-raising events, combining sales of baked goods and crafts with a flea market selling toys and antiques. In 1977, the flea market had a special section for books and music. Some years included pony rides and carnival games, as advertised in 1977, along with fire engine rides and a Lunar Walk inflatable bounce area for children. The 1977 Fair featured a T-shirt designed by Marie Rosso. A special Springs Artists Exhibition included work by 90 painters and sculptors who were all residents of East Hampton Town.
According to The Star, the Springs Improvement Society provided newly constructed booths for participants, including the Group for America's South Fork, a precursor to the Group for the East End.
Because of a special focus on local seafood offerings, the fair committee asked for donations of freshly caught fish from "people who like to fish" to create a special "catch of the day" dish. Several dishes with clams were also advertised, including clam pies and clams on the half shell. These were extremely popular offerings, and the Fisherman's Fair actually ran out of food, despite a heavy downpour. Additional clam pies were provided at the last minute by the East Hampton Town Baymen's Ladies Auxiliary and the Crystal Room. The Star proclaimed the 1977 Fisherman's Fair a "sellout" success.
Andrea Meyer is the head of the East Hampton Library's Long Island Collection.
