The 185th Christ Church Fall Fair marks again the beginning of Autumn for our small market town nestled on the “bosom of one of those spacious coves” on the eastern shores of the Hudson. Since the Ladies of Sewing Society of Christ Church held their first fundraiser in 1839, the Christ Church San Marcos Fall Fair has been as dependable and anticipated by the denizens of our fair village, as the swallows of San Capistrano.
Washington Irving was a warden of Christ Church Tarrytown, but records are sparse as to whether he was the Fall Fair Chair. One of his lesser-known works, Tales of the Knickknackers, seems to allude to not only his colorful fellow congregants but to the assortment of delightful items offered for sale.
The Christ Church San Marco Fall Fair can be seen as another Canterbury Tale. In medieval times, all cathedrals were surrounded by stalls with merchants and games. Today, Goeffrey Chaucer, if he were standing below the Norman Bell Tower of Christ Church (covered by ivy originally from Sir Walter Scott) would be like his successor, Washington Irving, an enthusiastic proponent and participant of this annual fair.
Take a pilgrimage to the Christ Church San Marcos Fall Fair this Saturday, October 19th. Boutique; White Elephants, children’s games; vintage clothing; vintage electronics; baked goods; International Café; 50/50 Raffle. Not only will you come away with some wonderful knickknacks, but you will undoubtedly have tales to tell.
