Talk of the Town

Don’t Miss: The Children's Museum of the East End’s Summer Family Fair

July 12, 2012 | Talk of the Town

Mariska Hargitay at last year's Summer Family Fair

With sports, arts and crafts, music, special shows, science, cooking, and more, The Children's Museum of the East End (CMEE) celebrates everything wonderful about being a kid year-round. On Saturday, July 21 (10:30 AM–1:30 PM), the CMEE will host its biggest annual fundraiser, the Summer Family Fair.

It's all about the great outdoors this year, with splashy attractions like a live touch tank, water slide, and water games. Other activities including a rock climbing wall, camping, musical performances, art, and games designed to teach children about the natural world around them. And, to keep it all about the kids, an 8-year-old DJ will spin the music for the event.

Last year's fair raised $200,000 to benefit the museum's programs, such as expanding access to school field trips and developing Spanish-language training. The CMEE is passionate about addressing issues year-round, from childhood obesity and family literacy to domestic violence and autism, through community events that welcome all families.

Ashley Carlson, co-chair of the fair, says she and her husband fondly call the CMEE their children’s "living room." "With over 7,000 square feet of space, it is so easy to get to know other parents while you're watching your children grow," said Carlson. "Not only do we provide a fun and interesting play space for children, but we also reach out to the community at large. The staff spends as much time meeting with leaders of social service agencies as developing new programs for the museum."

Like many East End families that consider the museum an extension of their homes, Carlson’s children get so engrossed in the exhibits that they don’t want to leave. "It’s a reminder of how engaging the museum is for our children, and how it sparks imaginative play," she says.

Tickets are available in advance on the CMEE website ($150 for adults; $100 for kids) or at the door ($175 for adults; $125 for kids). There will be a large silent auction, and local caterer Debbie Geppert will provide the food. 376 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, 537-8250

—ANNIE FITZSIMMONS