Saint Benedict Episcopal Church

That was the question I asked a number of people who have been a part of the Edinburgh Fair for years. Some concerns about the Fair came up at the Bishop’s Committee several months ago and as an original participant of the fair and former chairman I took on the project of taking a survey and reporting back. 

Our concerns were not only that the public was no longer lined up outside to get in, but that our own St. Benedict’s members were not participating. Do we need to give it a respectful good-bye and fundraise in a new way, or revitalize it? I was actually surprised by theanswers I got and want to share them with you. I hope you will think about your part in this event, what it means to you, and where we want to go from here. Here are some comments, good and not so good:

“It brings our community together to work or just to buy. It’s an important part of who we are.  It makes people feel good when they contribute in this way, sometimes it’s the only way they can give their time and talent. It makes about $5000 every year and has helped purchase things for our church.  It gives us a presence in the community." 

"The bagpipers and entertainment!  We offer a good meal and that’s fun and it’s different from a lot of bazaars. Sometimes the returns are not financial.” 

“The same people do it year after year.  Bazaars are old fashioned, it needs revitalization.  People don’t like seeing their handmade things sold so cheaply. It used to be fun but it’s just not the same.  Even our own church members don’t come. We need more things for kids.  People just drop off their junk. Advertise more.  It’s a lot of work for so few people and I feel obligated to help. It’s hard to get people to help and be one of the chairmen.  If we give through our stewardship program we shouldn’t have to fundraise in this way.” 

So, this year when you participate or go to the Fair on Saturday, November 10th, and I hope you do; talk to people, share your ideas about the fair.  We will revisit these ideas this winter.  Let me know what you think we should do. 

Nancy Zabel—Bishop’s Committee member