In 11 days, the Brookfield Congregational Church celebrates “45 Years of Fabulous Fairs” with its Yankee Fair and Barn Sale. As a member of the church, I can tell you that we plan and prepare for 365 days. It’s a bit of a running joke. Every year, on the Sunday following the fair, the Fair Chair stands up and says “Only 365 until the fair.” At this point in the year the countdown is on! We have been in serious prep mode since August. Almost every Saturday there is a crew in barn taking in donations, and almost every other day there is a crew sorting through what has been brought in. The barn is filled with “gently used treasures”, everything from antiques, household items, glassware, furniture, holiday decorations, bikes, garden tools and more. On fair day, the barn opens early (8 a.m.) for those people looking for a one-of-kind item.
Fair day is full of excitement. It is a big day. The community comes to check out the wares. Aside from the barn, you can find booths filled with handmade quilts, books, crafts, knitted items, baked goods, plants, seasonal décor, Vermont cheese, and 2nd hand garments. Brookfield-famous entertainer, Vanilla Swirl, makes balloon figures throughout the day and we will have carnival games for kids of all ages to enjoy. You can browse and bid on silent auction items while listening to live music and enjoying food from the grill or the Coffee Shop. Or treat yourself to a quieter lunch with table service and pumpkin chiffon pie at our White Steeple Inn.
Best of all, at least half of all proceeds go to the Church's outreach programs which, this year, include Ann's Place, the Regional Hospice and the Church's own Refugee Resettlement Ministry. So, come visit the fair! Not only will you find some great treasures, you will be helping others too.
The church's annual Yankee Fair and Barn Sale is Saturday, Oct. 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the barn opening at 8 a.m. for some great bargains. Admission and parking for the Yankee Fair are free.
