The tents were up and the displays ready but it was a light turnout as the day brought heavy showers. Ducks and water go together like bread and butter. So although it was disappointing, it was somewhat appropriate that the 12th annual Babylon Town Hall Duck Race and Craft Fair was held in a drenching rain. However, despite the weather, the sponsors, vendors and residents who attended the events had a great time and are already looking forward to next year's festivities.

"We've come here for twelve years and we'll be back for thirteen," said Dolly Iannucci, a vendor who sells a variety of handmade wooden assortments such as birdhouses and napkin holders that are made by her husband Rocco. "We come here because we enjoy it and we take pride in furnishing items at a low price that are homemade and can't be bought in stores. This fair is run beautifully. They furnish coffee, bagels and such. We see the same people every year so it becomes a very friendly atmosphere. In fact, we've developed friendships here."

Visitors to the craft fair shopped for a variety of crafts that were sold by over 400 vendors that attended. The smell of carnival type food could be detected through the damp air. There were rides for children and of course, the duck race in which rubber ducks were raced across the lake. Those who chose to sponsor a duck had the opportunity to win prizes ranging from 25 to 500 dollars. Paul Cipraino captured the $500 prize when his duck defeated all challengers.

Braving the threatening skies, Melissa Martin of Freeport sets up her handmade picture frames at their display of Krista & Kyle's Kreations, on the lawn of Babylon Town Hall The craft fair is run by the Deborah Hospital Foundation, which supports the Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Brown Mills, New Jersey. The hospital provides medical and surgical care to adults with cardiac, vascular and pulmonary diseases and children with congenital and acquired heart defects. Founded in 1922 as a tuberculosis sanatorium, the Deborah Center is a nonsectarian center that treats patients regardless of their ability to pay. The Deborah Hospit a l Foundation raises money for the center.

Peggy Parry is the Chairperson of the craft fair and duck race. Her husband received a triple bypass heart operation at the Deborah Center just over one year ago. She has been a long-time volunteer for the Deborah Foundation.

Half the fun of visiting the Arts & Crafts show is eating; youngsters, family and friends sit around the table and indulge. Said Parry, "I really want to thank everyone for coming out in the rain to support us."

Plans are already being made for next year's craft fair. For those interested in learning more about the Deborah Center and the Deborah Hospital Foundation, the website to log on to is www.deborah.org.

It is hoped that the weather will be more cooperative for next year's activities. However, one of the vendors put a positive spin on the whole situation. Said Kathy Hoyt of Olde World Products Inc. as she packed up lighthouses, mailboxes and other products, "We will be back next year, but at least this year you know our stuff is weather resistant."