15th Annual Family Fair to Benefit CMEE — SWEET ESCAPE

The Hamptons’ biggest family event returns to the Children’s Museum of the East End (CMEE) as it hosts the 15th Annual Family Fair. This year’s theme—SWEET ESCAPE—promises a joyful morning filled with arts & crafts, water play, live entertainment, food trucks, candy, and more.

Open for all ages on Saturday, July 19th from 9:30am – 12:30pm. Tickets start at $125 with proceeds from this highly anticipated fundraiser to support CMEE’s vital outreach initiatives throughout the Hamptons. 

Purchase tickets here or contact [email protected] for more information. 

“The Family Fair is a day for families to have fun for a cause!” says Lara Sweeney, CMEE’s Co-President and Sag Harbor local. “Sweet Escape will be explored through all things sweet and colorful. Kids can get creative with more than a dozen crafts, families can join our cheerful volunteers to make candy necklaces or candy sushi, construct a fairy house, make beeswax birthday candles, dance to music by our house DJ, enjoy lunch and snacks galore and maybe have a little fun in our splash zone.”

The event is a delight for children and parents alike, but the heart of the Fair lies in its impact. Every ticket sold helps ensure that children across the East End, regardless of their ability to pay, can access CMEE’s full range of programming.

This year, CMEE is excited to welcome Sarah Doud as a new sponsor for the event. Born and raised in the Hamptons and now raising her own family here, Sarah shared her enthusiasm: “The Museum has always been such an important part of our community. My kids and I enjoy the museum often. It’s lovely to see the programs there grow year after year. We just had the chance to visit the new outdoor playground firsthand! As a parent, I know how impactful these programs are for kids and families in the Hamptons. It’s an honor to help create such a joyful day and support CMEE’s incredible work.”

 Families and supporters can take it a step further by becoming VIP Fair Sponsors at the $3,000 level or above, which includes perks like on-site parking, early access, and event recognition. Additional giving tiers—from “Sweethearts” to “Life Savers”—offer other special benefits and help fund direct scholarships for local children.

This year is even more special as, “2025 marks CMEE’s 20th anniversary here in our home in Bridgehampton. We have grown from a big idea that an amazing group of local moms had to a beloved and trusted institution on the East End. We are here for families, whether it’s through play, educational programs or our food pantry or literacy programs.”

And CMEE really knows how to throw a party. Expect a full lineup of family favorites:

Arts & Crafts • Water Rides • DJ • Games • Food Trucks • Live Entertainment • and more!

Browse CMEE’s website for photos from past years and see what’s in store.

On how CMEE is making a difference for local families, Lara tells me, “One of my favorite community programs is the Museum’s Birthday Besties initiative—we provide free birthday parties for children whose families can’t afford to throw a party. Folks forget how important these simple milestones are; CMEE is proud to be able to provide this celebration for kids in need. We just celebrated a young girl’s 7th birthday complete with a princess cake.”

Longtime sponsors Andrew and Colleen Saunders remain passionate supporters of CMEE and the Family Fair. Colleen adds, “All of our kids grew up in the Hamptons and we know first-hand how significant CMEE is to the lives of Hamptons families. We’re especially thrilled to see Sarah Doud and her family joining this year’s event! It’s heartwarming to watch new generations of families share the joy and magic of the Fair and the Museum’s mission.”

CMEE extends sincere thanks to all of this year’s community sponsors and supporters:

Saunders & Associates • Hampton Pool Company • CLAM BAR • Tote Taxi • Abe’s • Little Spoon • iCAMP • Hampton Coffee Company • Dylan’s Candy Bar • Ever Eden • Seven Sundays • stellabella Beauti • Baked by Melissa • Georgie