What started as a means for local women to give back to the community has become a juggernaut of an event that requires six months of planning and more than 100 volunteers to run.
This Wednesday, the First Church in Jaffrey will hold its 100th annual fair, a milestone that is a testament to the volunteering spirit of the community.
“It’s a church event, but it benefits the community,” said fair co-chair Tom Gundlach, who has volunteered at the fair for over 15 years. “There is such an incredible energy about this fair. It’s that positive spirit that keeps me coming back every year.”
The fair will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at the First Church of Jaffrey and the Meetinghouse, and will include a children’s fair, a modestly-priced lunch provided by Cafe 532, and the sale of plants, books, antiques, and more. Admission is free and the event will be held rain or shine.
“There’s something for everyone at the fair,” said Gundlach. “And over half of the money raised benefits local social service organizations and scholarships for Conant graduates.”
While many of the events at the fair have changed over the years, according to volunteer Sylvia Hamilton, the core of the event has remained the same every year.
“It’s a great opportunity to see old friends,” said Hamilton, who has volunteered at the fair for over 50 years. “Sometimes I see people that I used to have in Sunday school, or people that have moved away and have come back for the fair. It’s a great event.”
Many of the people who volunteer at the fair are church members, but a fair share of those who volunteer have no affiliation to the church. Camp Wa-Klo, a girls’ camp in Jaffrey that takes in girls from across the country and beyond, sends a bus of campers every year to help out with the children’s fair.
“It’s a highlight for our second session of campers,” said staff member Emma Lewis. “They really look forward to helping out with the dunk tank.”
First Church Moderator Mary Jo Marvin said that the fair has expanded greatly over the past decade, to the point where this year, the fair had to be simplified a bit.
Looking to the future, Marvin said that the event’s continued success will rely on finding community and church leaders to volunteer to organize and run the fair.
“Everyone who runs the fair is getting older,” said Marvin. “It’s a wonderful event, but we need to continue to have volunteers who can help out.”
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com. He is also on Twitter @nhandyMLT.