It was a successful supernatural Saturday in Pine Bush last weekend, thanks to the 11th annual UFO Fair. Local residents, people from out of town, and even some attendees from out of this world, flooded Main Street to experience the mystery. Vendors of all kinds lined the sidewalks, music and the smells of food trucks filled the air, and everywhere you turned there was a someone in an extravagant costume

“We easily had 8,000 people coming and going throughout the day. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger every year with more participants and vendors who want to be involved,” said Domanie Ragni, Community Services Director for the Town of Crawford. “All the storefronts on Main Street were packed, and it’s just a great day for our town,”

With more than 100 vendors to experience throughout the day, there was no shortage of entertainment or things to do. From clothing and antiques, to alien related gifts, and a wide selection of food trucks, there was something for everyone on Saturday June 4 walking Main Street. Known as the UFO capital of the Northeast, Pine Bush is host to many visitors throughout the year, trying to get a better understanding of the extraterrestrial experiences that make the area unique.

“We mostly came for fun, but also a little out of curiosity,” said Crawford resident James Holmes. “I definitely believe there is something else out there. I haven’t seen or experienced anything for myself, but I do look up sometimes and wonder. Today I’ll be looking up a little longer, because maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of something strange, you just never know.”

Each year, the Pine Bush UFO Fair attracts a variety of visitors from different dimensions. Olivia Johnson, hailing from Virginia, visits her family in Pine Bush every year, not so coincidentally during the same weekend as the UFO Fair.

“I’ve been coming to the UFO fair for the past 4 years and it gets more and more outrageous every time,”Johnson said. “Everyone puts so much effort into their costumes, and it’s kind of a place where you can be yourself. It’s great that people can show off their cosplay skills and just enjoy the day.”

Attendees in costume had the opportunity to enter in the “Best in the Galaxy” Beauty Pageant, which took place under the Entertainment Gazebo, and was also the highlight of the day. Several contestants entered: third place belonged to “Wormdusa,” second place to “Strawberry Moon,” and the grand prize of $500 was awarded to “Domanastra and her pet Darmon.”

The Gazebo was not only host to the beauty pageant, but also the interactive alien gameshow “You Bet Your Asteroid!” Hosted by Kerry Lawton, who has contributed artwork to the Pine Bush UFO Museum, called up contestants and asked them trivia questions about aliens and UFO’s. Each contestant either right or wrong, was awarded a supernatural prize.

The gazebo also had live music provided by Brendel’s Jazz Duo, Any Night Ramblers Band, and Barry from Blue Alien Mystic.

“We are hoping each year is bigger and more extravagant than the previous one.” said Ragni.