Community meets history at the 2026 Brookhaven Fair at the Longwood Estate
By Max Caliendo
Often in the world’s modern landscape, history can feel disconnected from the present. But as the weather turns crisp and cool, the local Longwood community comes together every September at the Brookhaven Fair to celebrate where we come from and where we are now.
The site of the fair itself is home to plenty of history. The Longwood Estate, consisting of seven thousand acres, was once home to New York State legislator William Smith. The land was also a hub for livestock and wood milling. In 1973, real estate developers attempted to purchase the land for industrial development, but the community rallied together and opposed it. In the end, thirty-five acres of the land were donated to the town of Brookhaven, including the original manor house.
That same community that kept the manor house and estate free from interference is the same community that comes together every September to put on the Brookhaven Fair. There’s no shortage of vendors and activities at the fair. There are food trucks, vendors selling arts & crafts, and music blasting from speakers. The local library even has an exhibit in the schoolhouse, which also rests on the property, where children can play games and win prizes. According to the town of Brookhaven, “The Fair saw a significant increase in attendance this year, with approximately 1,700 people attending on Saturday (Sept. 19).”
Long-time community member and president of the Middle Island Civic Association, Gail Lynch-Bailey, has participated in the Brookhaven Fair for more than fifteen years and loves the way it brings people together. “I think my favorite part is seeing everybody year-to-year. Sometimes I don’t see people for a whole year, but I get to see them again at the fair, and it’s great to see so many different kinds of people. You get to talk to new people about different things… and then just walk around and see how many talented people there are, all the wonderful things they have to offer to the community.”
It’s not just the community aspect of the fair that makes it what it is; perhaps the most important part is the historical reenactments and showcases that populate the fairgrounds. Within the old manor house is a walk-in museum, with recreations of how the house would’ve looked in use. There’s also a field of time-period actors, specifically from the American Revolution, who demonstrate what life might’ve looked like during the late colonial era.
Tim Van Wickler, a broommaker who’s only been at the fair for a few years or so, is happy to be part of it. “It’s really, really cool. I love showing off broommaking because it’s not something people ever think about, right? You think about blacksmithing and carpentry and stuff like that, but being here too is awesome. It’s a great sight for it, and the visitors here too seem to enjoy it a lot, so I’m happy to be a part of it.”
After wrapping up for this year, the Brookhaven Fair will be back in September 2027.
