GALLERY: A Perfect Day for a Fair

The St. James Fair opened early and strong to throngs of Woodbridge and area pedestrians, who strolled along Main Street and saw all this year's fair had to offer.

From a dance festival at the Amboy Avenue end of Main Street, to rides and games for kids near Town Hall, the street was pounding with fun, good times, and food for anyone looking to spend a day in what is as close as Woodbridge gets these days to the warm, small town atmosphere long-time township residents remember.

Stu Brandow of the Avenel Attachment of the Marine Corps was collecting change for a good cause. He's 88, easily looks 20 years younger, and remembers the Battle of the Bulge, a World War 2 engagement in which he participated, as if it were yesterday. 

"When I collect, I do great. I love doing this, because of what it stands for," said Brandow. His biggest goal is to be "the last World War 2 vet left standing," he smiled.

Brandow was enjoying a conversation with Anthony Tirri, 14, a student at Bishop Ahr High School. Tirri had dropped a few dollars in Brandow's bucket.

The student smiled. "Veterans inspire us. They still do. They help our country," he said. 

There were other causes being touted on Main Steet, too. A girl with long pink hair, dressed in a French maid's outfit, but with cat ears and a tail, strode up and down. This was Woodbridge High School junior Amanda Dunn, who assured passersby that this wasn't her usual uniform.

"We were told to wear something that would catch people's attention," she smiled. She was on Main Street to advertise Woodbridge High School's annual Haunted House fundraiser.

And of course, since it's fall and it's an election year, all the politicians were striding up and down Main Street, glad handing and back patting voters, and enjoying themselves on a perfect day.

"It's a lot of fun," said Mira Hines, who traveled a few miles to do some shopping. Tons of vendors were selling all kinds of goods, including a new craft of painted bottles with white lights in them, a sort of room nightlight.

"I come every year," Hines said, her arms weighed down with her purchases and a Polish kielbasa she had bought from one of the food vendors near the train station.

Woodbridge Patch, too, had a table at the event. We were giving out water bottles, tee-shirts, and our phenomenally popular Patch bags. 

A good time was definitely had by all!

Follow Woodbridge Patch on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for the daily newsletter.