Annual church fair is set for Sept. 25

Written by Martha Glynn, Congregational Church
Thursday, 02 September 2010 13:00

“It’s a gift of First Church to the Redding community.” said Loreen Bradley, chair of the 29th Annual Church Fair set for Saturday, Sept. 25, from 10 to 4:30 on the Redding Green, rain or shine. “We like to keep it simple to preserve an atmosphere of the past century. There is nothing high tech about it.”

The fair offers a variety of ways for families to enjoy “good old-fashioned family fun.” Expecting to draw some 2,000 people, this one-day event features something for every age group from home-cooked food to live music and the opportunity to shop.

Returning fairgoers will once again find a variety of baked goods for sale, including a traditional autumn favorite, apple pie, sold whole or by the slice, that are contributed by parishioners. Authentic Jamaican pulled pork sandwiches and other grilled foods will be sold, as well as “Congregational Soup,” aptly named because church members start with a chicken stock-base and then add their own ingredients. The day of the fair these individual recipes are combined and heated in a cauldron over an open fire.

“It’s a bit like the church itself, a mix of distinct individuals with a common bond,” said Ms. Bradley.

Fare Play will return to offer two sets of live music. Band members are residents of Redding and members of First Church and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Redding.

Some 23 artisans from all over Connecticut will exhibit at the fair, offering a wide range of opportunities to purchase unique gifts. Fine photographs, paintings, unique jewelry and hand-crafted home goods and clothing are available from a variety of carefully selected vendors, selected for the uniqueness and diversity of their wares.

Other popular features of the fair are the Giant Tag Sale and the Great Raffle. Tag sale items will be priced at 50% off on Sunday, Sept. 26, from 11 to 2. All items will be free after 2.

The silent auction offers a chance to bid on higher priced items from fine jewelry to a vacation getaway. The traditional quilt raffle this year will feature a king sized “Autumn Splendor” quilt, handmade over the course of the year by church members. Tickets sell for $3 each or a book plus one for $15.

The proceeds from the fair help fund various church outreach programs. Admission is free. Parking is available at the Redding Elementary School with shuttle bus service to the church.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites