’Tis time for the annual Woodstock Library Fair, a tradition since 1931. This year’s event will take place this Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The theme this year will be “Eras,” inspired by the promotional poster for the Taylor Swift concert tour of the same name.
“Our great librarians really helped me find photographs from every decade so that we could replicate the Taylor Swift poster, and really just look back with fondness at all the different eras since 1931,” said fair organizer Michael Hunt, who also creates the poster for the library fair every year, “and also celebrate the present era. And so we just ran with that.”
The festivities will begin at 9:45 a.m., when children will parade down Comeau Drive across Tinker Street, down Library Lane, and onto the library lawn for the annual maypole dance,
Rock Academy veteran Olivia Siegel will kick off the music at 11 a.m. on the main stage at the corner of Library Lane and Tinker Street, followed by the Rock Academy band at noon — by now its traditional time slot. Scheduled for 1:15 are other performers, including local favorite Robin the Hammer.
The library fair honors locals who have contributed to the community. This year’s honorees are Harry the Dummy (accompanied by comedian and ventriloquist Steve Charney) and D.J. Boggs, library director from 1981 until 2011.
“Harry has a 40-year career of entertaining families and children and giving back to his community,” Hunt explained. “And it’s a long resume, and we will be honoring him with a four-by-five plaque.”
Steve Charney will get only a regular-sized plaque. He’s reportedly a bit miffed at getting snubbed in favor of Harry.
Boggs was “a pioneering library director,” said Hunt. “It’s about time that we acknowledge D.J.’s achievements and contributions to Woodstock and the library.”
She thought to snatch up the domain name “woodstock.org” for the library website before the Internet was as much of a staple as it is today.
A second stage in an area now called the Kids’ Fun Park will feature Harry, Steve and other kids-friendly entertainment. The fun park will feature a dunk tank, face-painting, sword-making, and an inflatable water slide and bounce house.
The traditional Great Expectations raffle will have a new twist, a 50/50 raffle for people who just want cash. Hunt thought he’d scale down the other prizes such as weekend getaways and restaurant gift certificates, Because of the generosity of local businesses, however, the raffle will feature 20 prizes. As usual, raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20.
Returning this year will be the clothing tent chock full of great deals. Come early before all the good stuff is gone.
As always, the suggested donation for entry to the fair is $2.
In keeping with the Taylor Swift theme, this year’s fairgoers can pick up a complimentary friendship bracelet and a photo strip from the photo bus, a vintage Volkswagen van.
Library Lane will be closed to vehicles. As is traditional, it will become a non-profit row, with lots of tables for various organizations distributing information.
Unfortunately, the beer and wine vendor pulled out this year. Fear not. With the help of Singlecut Brewery, Friends of the Library volunteers will be selling refreshing libations. A selection of food, including sesame noodles, a staple by now at the fair, will be available.
Join the family! 
