‘Have Fun While Doing Good’: May Fair Organizers Call for Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to help run one of New Canaan’s most treasured community events, officials say.

The organizers of May Fair say about 200 volunteers are needed to fill what are typically two-hour shifts on the evening of Friday, May 6 and in the morning and afternoon of Saturday, May 7. (Sign up here.)

“This is an opportunity to re-engage with the community, meet new neighbors and new friends, and contribute toward the worthy cause of helping our outreach mission reach many, many needy charities in Fairfield County,” May Fair co-chair David Shea said. “Have fun while doing good.”

Walkable for many from downtown New Canaan, the family-friendly May Fair features rides, games, food, live music, a massive tag sale and the best strawberry shortcake around, among other attractions. (Here’s a podcast with Shea about May Fair 2022.)

Some 425 volunteers are needed to run May Fair, and as of Tuesday afternoon 231 had signed up, he said.

The hugely popular May Fair on the green at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is returning next month following cancellations in 2020 and 2022 due to the pandemic.

At this stage three years ago, the volunteer slots would have filled up, but “this year is distinctly different, for a number of reasons,” Shea said.

They include that many people remain concerned about the communicability of COVID-19 virus, Shea said. New Canaan also has many move-ins who are unaware of May Fair and the volunteer opportunities there, he said, the event hasn’t been held in three years and people’s schedules are filling up quickly this spring with graduations and weddings and bar mitzvahs and other special events.

“It’s a combination of factors, all in one, and it’s a rebuilding year,” She said.

Asked what he would say to someone who is thinking out volunteering for May Fair, Shea said, “Come join the fun and come into the light.”