One of New Canaan’s best-loved community events, May Fair, is scheduled for Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13. We put some questions to event Co-Chair David Shea, and our exchange follows. (Note: The New Canaan High School Service League of Boys or “SLOBs” are volunteering prior to the event in collecting donations and will partner during May Fair with Planet New Canaan to ensure that proper receptacles are being used for recycling and composting.)
How would you describe May Fair to someone who’s never been to it?
May Fair 2022. Photo courtesy of St. Mark’s
David Shea: May Fair is a much anticipated two-day event that’s now in its 74th year and established New Canaan tradition. May Fair kicks off on Friday, May 12th (5 to 9 p.m.) with Friday Night Lights. We will have all 20 amusement rides open as well as the food court serving a delicious range of options from favorites like Holy Smokers barbecue, corn on the cob, our signature Strawberry Shortcake and pizza. On Saturday, May Fair is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. featuring fun activities for the entire family, including the White Elephant Tag Sale, pony rides, performances on the main stage, face painting, plants for Mother’s Day, rides on Old Faithful (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and of course the Midway Rides and Food Court will be open.
How is this year’s May Fair shaping up?
May Fair 2022. Credit: Terry Dinan
Planning is well underway. Volunteers are always welcome. We could use extra hands on Thursday, May 11th to set up and on Saturday May 13th to break down the event beginning at 3 p.m.
What are your needs now in terms of volunteers to help run May Fair and how can people get information about pitching in?
May Fair 2022. Photo courtesy of St. Mark’s
Volunteers are invited to help in all aspects of May Fair – from setting up the week of May 8th to taking a shift at the May Fair on May 12th or May 13th to breaking down on May 15th through May 17th. If you are at May Fair and would like to volunteer, please go by the information booth. We will find a job for you! For more information and to sign up, please go to the May Fair Website. All volunteers should check in at the Information Booth. NOTE: This year we are recycling Mayfair T-shirts, so returning volunteers please wear your T-shirt from previous years.
Where does the money that is netted by May Fair go?
Scenes from May Fair 2017. Credit: Darleen Ferraro
All net proceeds support St. Mark’s outreach ministries and grants to other nonprofits serving those in need. For a full list of recipients, visit the May Fair Website.
I understand that you’re selling sponsorships for rides this year.
For the first year, local businesses have the opportunity to be part of May Fair by sponsoring a ride, so this is a wonderful way for the businesses that are so important to our community to align with this beloved event.
What else would you like to tell our readers about May Fair?
1993 NCHS graduate Nicole (nee Stadler) Siegel with her 18-month-old daughter, Dylan Katherine Siegel, at May Fair at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in New Canaan on May 7, 2016. Credit: Michael Dinan
May Fair is accepting donations to the White Elephant Sale beginning this Saturday, May 6th. Declutter your kitchen, clean out your closets and garages, and upcycle your children’s toys and equipment! Donating is very easy, just drive up to the church front plaza and volunteers will unload your vehicle and give you a tax donation receipt. All donations are tax deductible. For large items: Please contact us with photos and description using this link. For the complete list of donations we will/will not accept, go to the May Fair website:
- Saturday May 6th, 9 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday May 7th, 1 PM – 5 PM
- Monday May 8th, 9 AM – 5 PM
- Tuesday May 9th, 9 AM – 5 PM
* No donations accepted after Tuesday, May 9th