Jack Firneno, the Wire
To many, Southampton Days is a fun summer event. To the people putting it together, it’s much more.
“It’s one of the last fairs like this in the area,” explained Patrick Miller, chairman of the Southampton Days committee. “Even the state fair is no longer around here. This is a community fair that’s managed to stick around.”
Southampton Days takes place on Second Street Pike between Tamanend Park and Klinger Middle School, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Monday to Friday. This year, it will culminate with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.
A tradition in the area for 44 years, it’s changed over time, with the committee behind it making sure to add new events and rotate through established ones each year.
As always, this week features live music, including performances by local string bands and community orchestras, a talent show, children’s entertainers and rides. And, the Lions 5k Run, a popular event for the Southampton Lions Club, begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday.
“This is always the biggest fundraiser of the year for our local nonprofits,” noted Miller, listing the Kiwanis club and girls and boy scouts troops as well as the Lions.
New this year is the dog show on Tuesday, which rewards local pets in best dressed and most patriotic categories, along with an owner look-alike contest. “It’s a way to get our four-legged children involved,” noted Miller.
There’s also Coach bag bingo from 3:30 to 5:30 on Friday, before the fair officially opens. And, making its return this year is the petting zoo, a popular attraction that hasn’t been featured in years.
But what’s remained constant is the fair’s commitment to community, which, to Miller, is what drives the event every year. “I was born and raised in Southampton. As a kid, I participated in the parade. Growing up, I was part of the sports organization. We had the float that we’d all jump on as kids,” he recalled fondly.
The committee decided to celebrate traditions like those with this year’s theme, “Remembering our Roots.” To celebrate the fair’s legacy, as well as the town’s history, free advertising books are available in businesses across Southampton featuring photos and articles of what the town used to look like, and articles about events from previous years.
This is Miller’s 10th year as committee chairman. “It’s my way of giving back to the community and making sure this tradition continues,” he said. It’s also a family affair: his own children are involved, and his wife Stephanie is now on the board as well, serving as the committee’s public relations officer.
“Marriage will do that to you,” she laughed.
But, as her involvement has increased over the last seven years, she’s come to appreciate it more and more: “I look forward to it every year. We put a lot of work into it year-round and it’s great to see it go off without a hitch.”
For information, visit www.southamptondays.com.
