With the recent decline in interest and participation in the Holly Fair for the past couple of years we had discussions to determine if we should proceed with planning for the Holly Fair this year, or if possibly this event has “run it’s course” and we should discontinue this church event. Collaborative meetings with South Church and Holy Trinity have taken place to determine how we might be able to assist each other in reaching our fundraising goals for our mutual holiday fairs. Some thoughts and considerations from these meetings have included possibly changing the date so that all of these events occurred on the same date and individual church’s highlighting their most successful tables so that there would not be competition for these sales. This would allow for the churches to split the cost of advertising for a greater impact. Additionally, each church could offer a “stamp” when a patron visited their church, and when the individual visits and collects a stamp from every church, they would be included in a raffle drawing.
With the ReVisioning meetings being scheduled, we realize that members may find insufficient time in their schedules to assist with other church events. While the lack of funds we could raise from this event would negatively impact the church budget, we also do not wish to burden the small group of members who graciously give their time and effort. We need to hear from you if you feel that First Church should continue the annual Holly Fair and are willing and able to assist in the preparations or becoming a Chairperson for one of the many tables to make this happen. If you would like to see the Holly Fair tradition continue and/or are willing to volunteer, please send an email, to Bonnie Brooks at: bbrooks@universalbach.com or text/call at 860-836-2272 to confirm your interest.
We need to make a decision within the next couple of weeks whether we will proceed with this event. Therefore, please let us know of your interest at your earliest convenience.
