The 66th annual Little Folks Fair will be held Saturday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Guilford Green. The event features bounce rides, a petting zoo, donkey rides, the famous little train, a circus arena, and much more, according to organizers, as well as some new “firsts” for the event. This year, the fair will focus on the theme of joy, according to event director Brittany Stalsburg.

“We felt the need for joy so profoundly after the pandemic and in the midst of so much uncertainty in the world. There is something about creating a day that exists simply so the community can enjoy it that’s actually really powerful. Even our silent auction is centered around joy this year, as we’ve worked hard to get donations that are more experience-based, like two round-trip airfare tickets from Avelo, an equine experience from High Hopes, and two beach passes to Jacob’s Beach, among others. Joy is also a key part of the play-based curriculum of the Community Nursery School (CNS) and is what helps us nurture children’s love for school,” said Stalsburg

According to Stalsburg, there’s something for everyone at what has become one of the most cherished kid-themed annual events on the shoreline.

“A few years back, I took my then-18-month-old to the Fair, and he had a ball! Now that toddler is 5 years old, and I know he will have a great time this year too, and for many years to come,” said Stalsburg. “We will have a ‘quiet’ area for kids who need a break from the sensory overload. This is our way of showing the community that we see everyone and that there is a place for all kids and families at the Little Folks Fair.”

Stalsburg said organizers are excited about some first-time additions to the fair, including a reading booth from the Guilford Free Library (GFL) and an obstacle course.

“We will also have ice cream from Sully’s Ice Cream truck. We are introducing a claw arcade game with the chance to win one of several golden eggs that will have bigger prizes like gift certificates to local restaurants, toy baskets, and other fun prizes,” said Stalsburg.

In addition to features for kids, Stalsburg added that there are plenty of attractions for adults, including live entertainment by local jam band Take Two and Call Me in the Morning, food trucks, and a silent auction.

The fair supports the Community Nursery School, and as with every year, local merchants have stood up and supported the event, according to Stalsburg.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the community’s willingness to support the fair, from sponsorships to silent auction donations, to their own fundraisers,” Stalsburg said. “For example, Blazing Fresh Donuts is creating a special LFF Donut that will be sold the last two weeks leading up to the fair. $1 from each donut will go directly to LFF/CNS. Marketplace will be displaying CNS student-created art in the month of May to publicize the fair and the presale tickets. We are so grateful for everyone’s support.”

The Little Folks Fair is rain or shine on Saturday, June 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Guilford Town Green. Admission is $5, and early tickets are available for $4. For more information, visit www.guilfordcns.org/littlefolksfair.