A perennial favorite, former US Poet Laureate and 2010 National Medal of Arts recipient Donald Hall will be the featured presenter at the South Danbury Christian Church’s annual summer Fair to be held on Saturday, July 27. Hall has deep family roots both in South Danbury and with the Church, and his readings have touched audiences throughout the region for many years, as he reflects on life (as he’s lived so much of it) in rural New Hampshire. The reading begins at noon inside the church and will be followed by a book signing.
The Fair opens at 8 AM with its ever-popular “something for everyone” yard sale, including a new “boutique” section curated and overseen by Alison Buckwell, who is also well known for her collection of historical postcards of Danbury and environs. Throughout the morning, local musician Tom Curren (of The Good Old Plough singing group) will serenade Fair goers. At 11 am, well-known local children’s author, Mary Lyn Ray will read from her new book, “Boom!,” among others, and will be available to talk about her writing, to share the stories behind the stories, and to sign books.
Be sure to come hungry! The Baked Goods Table has lots of goodies for sale, including more pies than ever this year – some of them still warm from the oven! Homemade ice cream, a tradition at the South Danbury Church Fair since its beginning, will be served up again this year by everyone’s favorite “Mrs. Curren” – Danbury’s long-term and beloved teacher.
The Fair Lunch features hot dogs and hamburgers and a host of salads – garden, potato, and pasta and coleslaw – as well as homemade baked beans for a cost is $7. Sodas will also be on sale. During lunchtime, the inimitable Doug Windsor will serve as auctioneer extraordinaire, matching eager bidders with invaluable treasures and entertaining the audience at every turn.
New this year, there will also be a balloon artist to delight both kids and the kid-like. The Fair, which runs from 8 AM to 3 PM, is open to all, and the Church is located at 1141 Route 4 in South Danbury.