The Magic and the Pageantry: Dundalk Heritage Fair

Every year for the past 30 some odd years, the fine folks of Dundalk gather and organize their annual celebration of culture and heritage, the Dundalk Heritage Fair. A tribute to America, America, ….and America, this fair truly encompasses the pride and admiration the hard working family folk of Dundalk have for their country. The freedom, the flag, and bedazzled tank tops. The fair features two stages for live music with notable hard-hitting acts like Bowzer from Sha-Na-Na, a full range of foods available – from pit beef to pit ham to pit turkey and french fries, a beer garden, and a rides/games section for kids and kids at heart. And for you racing enthusiasts, a pig race starring the great Phineus T. Waggs! Also featured prominently, a merchandise portion the likes of which has not been seen since the spice markets of India. Wooden carvings with painted epithets such as “Classy Lassy,” humorous shirts with slogans like “My shitty attitude is none of your fucking business!” and designer Kate Spayed handbags, all available for purchase and placed in ornate display arrangements.

I tagged along to the fair this year with a few friends, sampled the cuisine and had a few beers with some of the locals. Our local drinking buddies were talkative and approachable, engaging us in lively conversation with topics ranging from the existence of aliens, where are my sunglasses, who are you, what’s this bottle in my purse, and internet dating with its many pitfalls. Our new friends were very knowledgeable on these topics, as well as many others! The night went on and they wandered off eventually, dazzled by patriotism and the 47 Bud Lights they had been drinking, so it was time to move on. A magical experience to say the least. Thanks, Dundalk!

So although this year’s fair has come and gone, next year’s fair is only 363ish days away. In the meantime, enjoy these photographic memories and a very special video featuring our seasoned karaoke veteran and his rendition of Steppenwolf’s “Magic Carpet Ride.”