Brighton Fair: A celebration of colour, encounters and memories

Brighton Fair: A celebration of colour, encounters and memories
On the last Sunday of August, many people were looking forward to the traditional Brighton Fair, which has been organised for many years by the Brighton Residents Association, headed by Pat Singer. But this year the event took place a week earlier – on 24 August. Nevertheless, the fair again attracted several thousand people and turned into a real kaleidoscope of colours, sounds and encounters.
The air was filled with the smell of roasted corn and oriental spices. Songs mixed with the rhythms of American Indians and the hum of voices. Colourful dresses and brightly coloured handmade souvenirs flashed everywhere. As a lover of paintings and antiques, I noticed that the African sellers had some pretty good porcelain figurines. Apparently, over the years they had learned that Brighton is home to lovers of beauty who know a thing or two about it.
I was particularly pleased to see how visitors happily picked up Russian-language newspapers. A queue formed at the tables – living proof that the printed word is not yet a thing of the past. And although many say that people only read on the Internet, in fact, newspapers and books are still an important part of our lives.
The tables were dominated by English-speaking vendors this time, but Ukrainian craftsmen also found their place. I started talking to them in Ukrainian and learned that hand-embroidered vyshyvanka shirts cost $200, while machine-embroidered items cost $100.
Unfortunately, you won't find the delicious pies, varenyky and buns that "little Odessa" used to be famous for. But there was a big barrel of cool kvass at Net-Cost Market, and passersby were happy to treat themselves to it. "This is real Ukrainian kvass, very tasty," they told me.
As always, the fair was full of political life. I met City Council candidate George Sarantopoulos, who was actively supported and promoted by the energetic Svetlana Zelinskaya, a talented woman, a district leader, to whom many are grateful for helping people find temporary work during the elections. Ari Kagan also came, many know him and remember how he helped and continues to help people. And for many politicians, the fair is an opportunity to meet voters.
I especially enjoyed the aromatic coffee that I tried in the shop on the corner of 14 Brighton, in the Sea Breeze Pharmacy, Pharmacy Health is Wealth, Organic Product All Natural, Medical Supply. Here, under one roof, there is a pharmacy and a shop with a quality assortment. I admit that I come to this shop with pleasure at the address 1129 Brighton 14, tel. 718-646-0660, here the sellers are always attentive, smiling, polite and even among the noisy fair crowd on this hot day they created a feeling of coziness.
The main joy of such events is the meetings. Here I saw the president of the Association of Disabled People and Veterans of the Second World War Leonid Borisovich Rosenberg, a man of amazing energy and goodwill. As always, his son and his wife were nearby - an example of sincere love of children and respect for parents. This Rosenberg family is the real pride of Brighton, their life example teaches a lot to those around them. In September, Leonid Borisovich Rosenberg turns 104 years old.
The highlight of the fair was the music of American Indians. Their rhythms filled the air with mystery: national costumes with feathers, bright patterns, unusual instruments and enchanting melodies transported the audience to the distant history of America.
At the festival I also met Rabbi David Okunev, whose work is well known to the residents of the area. Many remember how food was distributed to all those in need near the synagogue on 4th Brighton, without asking questions about religion or nationality.
Brighton Fair is more than just trade and entertainment. It is a place where you can feel the breath of Brighton - lively, noisy, multilingual and in its own way cozy.
I thank our police who protected us.
Marina Lagunova