The Old Sloop Fair at the handicap-accessible First Congregational Church of Rockport, 12 School Street, will continue with the traditional events — Silent Auction, White Elephants, Art Mart, Jewelry, Books, Handcrafted Goods, Handknits, Pet Corner, Bake Table, and Snack Bar — on Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20, and conclude on Saturday, July 27, with the Giant Yard Sale. There is an astonishing assortment of hundreds of items for sale. These photos show a few of the things in the Silent Auction.
The Old Sloop Fair has long been a popular Rockport summer attraction. It originated in 1957 under the guidance of Rev. Ed Nutting. In the early years of the fair, School Street was closed to traffic, festive lighting was erected, and a live auction was held in the street. Long-time Rockport residents may remember auctioneers Frank Gray and Karl Johnson, “grab lady” Peg Emerson, the roast turkey dinners, and the “Old Sloop” sailor caps worn by the volunteers.
The First Congregational Church was organized in 1755. The building that is now the church sanctuary was constructed in 1804 and originally served as the town meeting house. The tall steeple and white facade close to the Sandy Bay shoreline resemble a ship’s sail when seen from the sea, and the nickname “Old Sloop” was conferred by the fishermen. The steeple contains the Town Clock. Proceeds from this year’s Fair will go toward the church’s operating expenses and the restoration and preservation of the church’s buildings. A project to restore the roof, siding, and windows of the sanctuary building was recently completed, financed by a Community Preservation Act grant and by contributions from parishioners and townspeople.
For more information, visit http://oldsloopfair.org, find us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/OldSloopFair, send email to info@oldsloopfair.org, or call 978-309-9667.
Good Morning Gloucester 