The Old Sloop Fair at the handicap-accessible First Congregational Church of Rockport, 12 School Street, continues Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with many traditional events: White Elephants, Art Mart, Jewelry, Hand-knits, Ken’s Collection, and Snack Bar. This year, the fair introduces its Boutique of antique, vintage and selected special items, priced for immediate sale. The Boutique replaces the silent auction of several prior years. The “Indoor Yard Sale” will offer tools, lamps, rugs, garden supplies, etc., and “Kids’ Corner”, staffed by the church youth, will have items aimed for the younger crowd.
The Old Sloop Fair is one of the oldest and largest church fairs on the Massachusetts North Shore, a true Rockport tradition. It originated in 1957 under the guidance of Pastor Ed Nutting, and is an important fund-raising activity for the church.
The First Congregational Church was organized in 1755. The sanctuary building was constructed in 1804 as the local meetinghouse. The tall steeple and white façade close to the shoreline resembled a ship’s sail when seen from the sea, inspiring the local fishermen to call it “The Old Sloop”. Currently, the steeple is being restored, and much of it is sitting on the church’s front lawn. The church is displaying regular updates on the restoration project and the opportunity to contribute to the project.
For more information, please go to http://oldsloopfair.org, send email to info@oldsloopfair.org or call 978-546-6638.
Good Morning Gloucester 