The New Ipswich Congregational Church held it’s 158th Children’s Fair on August 17th 2019. Specifically I have been a co-chair of the Garden Shop for over a decade. Because I have a great team of volunteers, I able to step away from the sale and take photos.
Volunteers
Over the years I see the same groups of volunteers. It is a family event for many, of note the Kivela family.
Garden Shop
I was assisted by Angelika Weber and Chuck Anderson. We received a nice selection of plants from local gardeners and businesses.
Garden at the New Ipswich Congregational Church planted by Cheryl Ricci who passed away in June 2017 
Garden Shop flowers at the 158th Children’s Fair 
Angelika Weber assists a customer at the Garden Shop
Bookstore
Chairperson Judy Spring and a team of volunteers set up the basement bookstore.
Volunteers at the Children’s Fair bookstore 
Volunteer at the Children’s Fair bookstore 
Judy Spring chairperson (file photo 2018)
Something New
Something new for the 158th Fair, a stilt walker and a Balloon Man. There were a lot of people walking around with balloon creations on their heads.
Parker with Balloon Crown at 158th Children’s Fair 
Balloon Poodle at the 158th Children’s Fair 
Balloon Hat at the 158th Children’s Fair
New Ipswich Historical Society
The New Ipswich Historical Society shared some artifacts from previous fairs. Considering the fair has been in existence since the 1800s they have plenty of material.
Children’s Fair Brochures 
Even older booklets 
We have no idea what this was used for, but it was hand forged
Children’s Area
The Parking lot is filled with games, a dunking tank, sandwich grill, iced coffee, robots and much more.
Morning Coffee 
Hayride at the 158th Children’s Fair 
Mike Ordway sings for the Hayride queue 
Junior fire fighter 
Manning the fire hose 
Another junior fire fighter 
Fighting the “flames” at the New Ipswich Children’s Fair 
Gerry Friedman watching the robot demonstration at the Children;s Fair 
Robot built by the Monadnock 4-H Robotics Team
Auction
There was quite a collection of items available for the auction at the fair including some classic bikes and Darth Vader.
Kayak for auction at the 158th Children’s Fair 
Deck Ring Toss for auction at the 158th Children’s Fair 
Slinky for auction at the 158th Children’s Fair 
Darth Vader at the auction at the 158th Children’s Fair 
Bike for the Children’s Fair auction 
Bike for the Children’s Fair auction 
Auctioneer at the Children’s Fair
Dan Grady
Dan Grady and his Marvelous Marionette Medley has been performing at the fair for as long as I remember. I’m always impressed by well he relates to the children. Dan is semi-retired but continues to perform in venues he enjoys including New Ipswich.
Dan Grady’s Marvelous Marionette Medley performed at the 158th Children’s Fair
See You Next Year
Funds from the fair will be distributed to a variety of children’s programs throughout the community. We will discuss how it went and plan for the 159th.
