By Elizabeth Barhydt
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church will host its 76th annual May Fair from May 8 to May 10, marking a Mother’s Day weekend tradition that draws thousands from New Canaan and nearby towns. The three-day event includes a ticketed preview party, carnival rides, food, entertainment, and the popular White Elephant Tag Sale. All proceeds benefit the church’s outreach programs and grants to local nonprofits.
The festivities begin Thursday, May 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. with the White Elephant Preview Party, a ticketed event for ages 21 and older. Attendees will receive two drink tickets and early access to shop donated goods, from artwork and jewelry to linens and sporting equipment. Tickets, priced at $50, go on sale April 21 on the May Fair website.
Friday’s “Night Lights” event runs from 5 to 10 p.m. and features unlimited amusement rides with the purchase of a $35 wristband, available beginning at 4 p.m. More than 20 rides—including Zero Gravity, The Tornado, and Cliffhanger—will line the midway. Face painting, barbecue from the Holy Smokers, and St. Mark’s famous strawberry shortcake round out the evening offerings.
Saturday’s main fair is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with rides continuing until 6 p.m. Visitors can browse tents selling books, toys, plants, and outdoor goods, while enjoying a variety of local foods, including wood-fired pizza, brisket, corn on the cob, and ice cream. The original Strawberry Festival shortcake will be available Friday and Saturday while supplies last.
Live entertainment on Saturday begins at 11:30 a.m. with the New Canaan Town Band, followed by the Pivot Ministries Choir at 12:30 p.m. The 3rd Annual May Fair Dog Show starts at 1:30 p.m., open to all canine contestants regardless of breed or talent level. Participants may register by emailing their contact and dog details to msilvermine@gmail.com.
Children and families can take a ride on “Old Faithful,” New Canaan’s antique fire engine, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Face painting returns throughout the day. A plant tent will offer a variety of selections for last-minute Mother’s Day gifts.
Shuttle service provided by GetAbout New Canaan will run from the Lumberyard Parking Lot on Friday evening and throughout the day Saturday.
May Fair Chair John Kennedy, Jr. emphasized the role of community volunteers in organizing the event. “My biggest takeaway has been the importance of people,” he said. “It’s the special bond among volunteers that unites us and strengthens our community.”
The fair began in 1949 as the Strawberry Festival and is now one of the largest annual events in New Canaan. More than 500 volunteers contribute to its success each year. All proceeds fund the ministries of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and provide grants to nonprofits assisting those in need.
Additional details, including donation guidelines for the Tag Sale and volunteer opportunities, are available on the May Fair page of the St. Mark’s website.
