May Fair

Our annual May Fair is the largest single annual festival held on the church grounds and staffed in large part by St. Mark’s parishioners. The fair is widely attended by people from New Canaan and neighboring communities, and the entire net proceeds are given to a large number of charities.  All parishioners and friends of St. Mark’s are welcome and encouraged to be a part of May Fair. It provides an unequaled opportunity for newcomers to meet and get to know other parishioners.

 For a video of May Fair, click here, for May Fair 2007 memories and photos, click here.

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St. Mark’s 59th Annual May Fair and Strawberry Festival

Saturday, May 10, 2008   9:00 to 5:30 (rain or shine)

 

“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family

(the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick and imprisoned) you did it to me.” 

Matthew 25:40

 

Dear Fellow Parishioners,

 

Great news!  In a few short weeks we celebrate May Fair 2008.  You remember last year—the happy faces of children on the rides, Old Faithful, the White Elephant bustle, the aroma of smoked brisket in the Food Court, strawberry shortcake, the Dixie band and “Pippin.”

 

This year May Fair is shaping up to be just as glorious. 

·         We’ll have the same great rides, including the Cliff Hanger that was new last year and the ever-popular bumper cars. 

·         We have a fresh line up of children’s games with the prize tent relocated nearby.  A new layout for the White Elephant sale will improve customer traffic flow and reduce waiting in lines. 

·         The announcer’s booth is being replaced with a headquarters tent, which will include an active Outreach Commission table featuring representatives of sponsored programs and tours of the church sanctuary. 

·         The church terrace will again feature books, records, CDs and DVDs in the book tent; face painting; fresh strawberries; baked goods and the coffee café.

·         A great selection for home and garden will be presented in the plant tent and sports equipment in the outdoor tent. 

·         Once again, “Old Faithful” will be offering rides for the kids, and don’t forget Sand Art. 

·         The Food Court will offer the same great food plus some new selections from the “Holy Smokers.”

 

We are delighted to have the New Canaan High School performers back again this year. They will stage a preview of their June production, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at midday in the courtyard.  We will also have singing groups from Magical Music for Life in the same location.

 

May Fair 2008 will put the spotlight on our Outreach Programs, May Fair Green, and our Community Volunteers.  All May Fair proceeds go toward St. Mark’s community outreach programs--$85,000 last year.  These programs give you the opportunity to live the May Fair spirit year round, experiencing the joy that comes from giving and making a critical difference in the lives of others.  Get involved in one of these programs, and let the Outreach Commission know how you want the May Fair dollars to be used.

 

May Fair Green, a new activity this year, will make May Fair friendly to the environment, reducing our carbon footprint (for example, through use of biodegradable plates) and giving fairgoers tips on reducing theirs.  Look for the green tent in front of the church courtyard.

 

Finally, our Community Volunteers are a vital part of May Fair, working side by side with St. Mark’s parishioners each year to make May Fair a success.  Invite your friends and neighbors to participate this year and make them feel especially welcome. 

 

Thank you for your participation in May Fair.  Have a wonderful time this year!

 

                                                           Faithfully,

                                                           Bob Stephan, May Fair Chair

                                                           rmstephan@optonline.net