Viewfinder: 2011 Country Fair at Bryant Gardens

• Photos and copy courtesy Louis Bruno

The third annual Country Fair at Bryant Gardens, a cooperative apartment complex off Bryant Avenue, on Saturday brought out over 300 residents and their guests for a day of good food and fun in the sun.

Common Council members Ben Boykin, Milagros Lecouna and Beth Smayda were among the guests who enjoyed the music of Spanish harpist Beatriz Martin-Ruiz, and a deluxe barbecue catered by the Fair Deal Cafe.

A leader in sustainable living -- its motto is "Growing Green" -- the Bryant Gardens co-op showed its colors with exhibits featuring the Community Vegetable Gardens, the Community Library, which "recycles" used books, energy saving tips from Con Edison educators Michael Collins and Chris Gallo, and the Aladdin Light Bulb Exchange -- new compact fluorescent lamps for old incandescents. 

Verizon FIOS was on hand to promote its services with a variety of premium gifts and a $25 Movie Card Raffle.  Eileen Maurer, one of several residents who exhibited custom handicrafts, says she had a "banner day" selling the custom jewelry and stuffed animals she makes from scratch.

Who had the best time? We suspect it was the youngsters, who enjoyed the food, the swings and jungle gym, but most of all, the professional performers who offered face-painting, a guitar sing-along, magic tricks and balloon animals made to order.

Did you take some wonderful photos? Add them to this photo gallery.

Missed the Fair?  Click on the photo gallery and make sure you don't miss the next Bryant Gardens outing, the Halloween Spooktacular scheduled for October 29. 

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