The New Ipswich Children’s Fair originated during the Civil War in 1861. Children brought the best of their harvest to be auctioned at the New Ipswich Congregational Church. The proceeds were given to charities or organizations specified by the child.
The fair has been traditionally held on the third Saturday in August on the grounds of the New Ipswich Congregational Church. There is a large gathering of people who gather in close proximity for a variety of activities. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic it seemed that the 159th Children’s Fair was going to be cancelled.
However the organizers developed an alternative plan. There are 5 Saturdays in August 2020. Each Saturday would feature a few events which allowed people to remain socially distant. Sadly the Game area, auction and puppet show needed to be cancelled, but the fair went on as planned and was quite successful.
159th New Ipswich Children’s Fair – August Saturdays 2020
August 1st – Sausage Subs at Butch’s Country Store
I always knew that it was fair day when I could smell the sausage, onions and peppers cooking on the grill early in the morning.
The sausage subs were prepared by John Veeser at the first Saturday installment of the 159th Children’s Fair. Also available was a selection of homemade jams and jellies.
There was one advantage to having the fair divided between Saturdays. Chicken BBQ tickets were sold in advance which meant that the exact amount of food could be ordered. Unlike other years there would be no shortages or surpluses. I purchased tickets but no jam.
August 8th – Burgers and Hot Dogs
Bob Wooster and his team have been flipping burgers and dogs at the fair for as long as I can remember. They dressed in red for the second installment of the fair. Balloons and Cotton Candy was also available.
August 15th – Children’s Fair Day Parade
At 10:30 a row of decorated cars gathered in the parking lot of the New Ipswich Congregational Church. The parade route included the towns of New Ipswich and Greenville. Packages of trinkets were handed to the children riding in the vehicles.
Later the participants were treated to ice cream novelties from “Kivela’s Kreamery” in the church parking lot.
August 22nd – Chicken BBQ, Garden Shop and Book Sale
Masonic Lodge members prepared chicken BBQ dinners for pickup. Mike Ordway sang a selection of songs on the barn stage while fair participants browsed the plant selection spread out across the lawn. The book sale was downsized to ensure adequate distancing for the shoppers and masks were require indoors.
August 29th – Specialty Baked Goods, Ice Coffee and Rain
It was cold and rainy on the last Saturday of the 159th Fair which cut into the demand for Ice Coffee. However sales were good for the Nisu and fancy cookies. The remainder of the plants were snatched up by bargain hunters. It was a good fair considering the restraints caused by the Pandemic. Thanks to all the volunteers and participants.
