Thousands Expected at Benicia Peddler's Fair

Benicia’s 48th Annual Peddler’s Fair will be held on Saturday, August 13th. The fair officially opens at  8 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m.  However, early shoppers can usually be found searching for treasures with flashlights while vendors are unpacking.

The Benicia Peddler’s Fair is sponsored by Historic Trust, which was organized in 1970 for the purpose of raising money to preserve and maintain the historic California Gothic church and Parish Hall.

The Fair attracts over 30,000 people coming to enjoy Benicia’s historic downtown waterfront setting and the high quality antiques, fine collectibles, hand crafted items and art offered for sale.

About 300 vendors will begin streaming into the downtown area at 2 a.m. Saturday to set up their booths.  “It’s always fascinating to watch the deserted street fill up with booths as the sun comes up,” says current Fair Chairwoman Linda Tremain. “As the vendors arrive, their booths line First Street from St. Paul’s Church on the corner of J Street, all the way down to the waterfront.”

Food will be sold at various booths throughout the fair. First Street restaurants will also be open for business, as well as many other shops along the street.

Free parking will be available at Benicia High School on Military West, with a free shuttle service running from the school to downtown area all day, said Tremain.  Valero Refinery will once again provide a first-aid tent where fairgoers can rest or seek assistance. An information booth, with specific information about vendors and their locations, will be set up at the beginning of the fair.

Volunteers from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church have been running the fair since it was started in 1963.  Former rector, Rev. Charles Eldon Davis, started the fair to help maintain the historic buildings. Through the years, fair earnings have been used to restore the historic stained glass windows, install a new roof and sprinkler system, build a historically compatible access ramp and retrofit the bell tower.  Tours of the church will be given throughout the day.

Tremain also added that 10% of the fair proceeds are donated back to the community of Benicia for various programs.