“When I first came to St. Mark’s I learned quickly that I was in charge of weather – especially for May Fair,” reflects the Reverend Peter F. Walsh. “While my Mother Nature skills are not great, unquestionably May Fair is. There is always a communal warmth and joy that shines, regardless of weather.”
This year, St. Mark’s celebrates the 75th anniversary of its traditional May Fair weekend, rain or shine, on the campus grounds of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church located at 111 Oenoke Ridge in New Canaan, CT. Friday Night Lights is on May 10th, open from 5-10PM, and Saturday’s May Fair event is the next day, May 11th, open from 9AM-6PM. The well-known White Elephant Tag Sale is open 9AM-3PM for treasure hunters and bargain seekers. All details are listed below and also available on the May Fair page of St. Mark’s website.
“What started 75 years ago as a small fair with strawberry shortcake and a sewing group sale has grown into the May Fair of today – a community tradition where sheer delight, fun, and happiness go viral,” recalls Walsh. “Everyone feels better being together. Memories are made here. We invite and hope all will come. In addition to the rides for kids, you may have some other-worldly foods, and find great treasures for a great price.”
St. Mark’s May Fair is a much-anticipated event that draws nearly 6,000 people from New Canaan, as well as neighboring towns in Fairfield and Westchester Counties. All net proceeds support St. Mark’s ministries and special grant support to other nonprofits who serve those in need. For more information about grant opportunities, please visit the website. https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org/MayFair
2024 MAY FAIR HIGHLIGHTS
The Midway Rides:
Open Friday Night and All-Day Saturday *Hours of Operation Listed Below*
More than 20+ rides, including Zero Gravity, The Tornado, Cliffhanger, Rock Star, Sky Hawk, and more.
Friday Night Lights Wristband Sales:
$35 per wristband bracelet, only valid on Friday (not Saturday), gives access to all Midway Rides
Available to purchase at May Fair Grounds, Friday, May 10th, beginning at 4:30 PM
Activities for All Ages on Saturday:
Pony Rides, Face Painting, Crafts, Rides, Games & Prizes
○ Rides on antique fire engine “Old Faithful” *11AM-2PM*
Food Court:
St. Mark’s own Holy Smokers BBQ pulled pork and beef brisket, Bell Tower BBQ sauce, fresh corn on the cob, grilled burgers and hot dogs, a pizza truck, St. Mark’s famous handmade strawberry shortcake and ice cream
White Elephant Tag Sale:
Embrace Spring Cleaning! It’s a fundraiser for a cause *Open Saturday Only, 9AM-3PM*
Treasures found among artwork, jewelry, fine goods & collectibles, furniture, linens, housewares, books, toys, outdoor & sporting goods, and much more.
Stage:
Performances by Pivot Ministries Choir and other fun entertainment
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Friday Night Lights, May 10th
Midway Rides: 5-10PM
Friday Night Food Court: 5-8PM
Saturday May Fair, May 11th
Midway Rides: 9AM-6PM
Food Court: 10:30AM-3:00 PM
(while supplies last)
White Elephant and All Other Venues:
9AM–3PM
TICKETS & WRISTBANDS:
Friday Night wristbands are $35 per bracelet. Bracelets are valid for Friday only with access to all Midway Rides.
Saturday Tickets (sold only on Saturday) are $1.50 each – 22 tickets for $30, 48 tickets for $60. Rides require 2-4 tickets per ride.
Cash and credit cards are accepted and ATMs are available on site.
For up-to-date information and to plan your visit, go to the St. Mark’s May Fair website.
WHITE ELEPHANT TAG SALE:
Donations will be accepted at St. Mark’s Church from Saturday, May 4th through Tuesday, May 7th. No donations accepted after Tuesday, May 7th, no exceptions. Donation drop off hours are as follows:
Saturday May 4th, 9AM–5PM Sunday May 5th, 1PM–5PM Monday May 6th, 9AM–5PM Tuesday May 7th, 9AM–5PM
Deliver donations to the church’s Front Plaza at 111 Oenoke Ridge in New Canaan. Volunteers will unload your vehicle. All donations to St. Mark’s White Elephant Tag Sale are tax deductible and forms are available upon request (donor assigns value).
For large items, please complete the Donation Approval form on the website. For the complete list of donations that we can/cannot accept, please refer to the May Fair website.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY – HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
We want you! We invite volunteers to help in all aspects of May Fair – from setting up to breaking down and everything in between. For more information and to sign up, please go to the May Fair website. Volunteers should check in at the Information Booth.
