The South Danbury Church will hold its popular summer Church Fair on Saturday, July 30, from 9 AM to 2 PM. This annual mid-summer gathering is much more than a traditional country church fair, featuring community camaraderie plus the sale of great food, crafts, and treasures; it is also a beloved literary event.

This year, the Fair will feature readings from two of our region’s literary treasures, former US Poet Laureate and National Medal of Arts recipient Donald Hall, reading at 11:30 AM; and acclaimed children’s book author Mary Lyn Ray, reading at 10:30 AM.

Don Hall’s poetry and prose include heartwarming reminiscences of the South Danbury Church as he fondly remembers his grandmother Kate playing the church organ and recalls his own attachment to the church when he and his late wife, Jane Kenyon, played prominent roles as church leaders. Hall’s familial roots in the church run deep, and his stories of the community are delightful.

Mary Lyn Ray also has deep roots in the South Danbury Church and community. Her beautifully illustrated stories often reflect the inspiration she, too, derives from her rural surroundings.

Both authors will be available for book signing. Mary Lyn Ray will have some of her books available for sale, and attendees are encouraged to check out the “Donald Hall shelf” at your local independent bookstore and to bring your favorite Don Hall book(s) to be signed.

Immediately following Donald Hall’s reading, auctioneer extraordinaire Doug Windsor will preside over the always-entertaining annual Church Auction. The Fair will also feature crafts, baked goods, and a delicious lunch for sale as well as the ever-popular day-long yard sale and “treasures and collectibles” sale.

2016 marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of the South Danbury Church, in 1866, by a dozen local families, and 2017 will mark the 150th anniversary of the completion of the church building. The South Danbury Church, an open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ, is now the only remaining community building in the once-bustling village of South Danbury, and it is the embodiment of the village identity today.

Both church and community are honoring this milestone by embarking on a two-year effort to restore and preserve the church in a historically-accurate manner so it can continue to thrive as an active and welcoming community gathering spot.

For more information about the South Danbury Church Fair or the church preservation effort, call 491-3196 or e-mail SouthDanburyChurch@nullgmail.com.