If there was any time for nice weather, it would be this weekend. This Saturday, the annual Mineola Fair, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Incorporated Village, will take place.

One would figure that since there were overcast skies and rain for the start of the little league parade and opening day that the village is due for nice weather.

This year's fair will once again be filled with activities and entertainment and will attempt to bring the residents of the village together. The Chamber of Commerce and the Incorporated Village Mineola invite the entire community to participate on Saturday, May 20 (rain date is the following day) between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. The fair will be held at the Mineola Memorial Park, located off Jericho Turnpike by turning onto Marcellus Road, which leads into the park.

This year, there will be an exciting Civil War re-enactment between the Northern Union Army and the Southern Confederates. Learn the 1861 Rifle and light infrantry tactics for exercise and maneuver brought to the fair by the Brooklyn Chasseurs 14th Regiment.

There will also be plenty of games and contests for the children. The Long Island Children's Museum will also participate.

There will be numerous craft vendors, nonstop entertainment, including dances demonstrations, karate, school bands and rock bands. There will be music for all ages played by the some of the 750 talented people who will perform during the course of the day. There will also be games, contests such as pie eating contests, give-away items for prize winners, rides for children, business displays, craft vendors displaying unique hand made crafts, political respresentatives and local nonprofit organizations sharing their goals for their organizations.

The collections of animals in the 25-animal petting zoo will be impressive and children can feed them. The Chamber also requested local collectors of antique cars to share their "prides and joy" with the community, which were eagerly accepted. There will also be plenty of food so come on an empty stomach.

The non-stop entertainment will begin at 11 a.m. and boast an array of talent closing with Portugese dancing by colorfully clad members of the Portugese Club. Highlighting the day will be a salute and presentation of the colors by the local Veteran Groups. The official ceremonies will be held at 2 p.m. Be sure to enter your "Beautiful Baby" in our "Beautiful Baby" contest for babies one year old or younger.

This fair has become a true fun-filled day for the entire community. Bring a chair and plan on joining with the people of your community for the entire day. You will be glad you did. The fair is a day for businesses, friends and family to pause and acknowledge one another for the great people they are.

For further information, call Teri Ranfone, president, Chamber of Commerce at 248-1700. To participate as a craft vendor, a business or non-profit organization, also contact Teri or Past Chamber President Peter Gollobin at 294-8822 for your application and particulars.