Family Fun at Country Fair

There was something for everyone at the 44th annual Country Fair.

From handmade trinkets for adults to pony rides and games for kids, the fundraiser offered attractions for the whole family. Although dark skies threatened rain, the annual fundraiser stayed dry and drew crowds all Saturday afternoon at the municipal field.

Attendees were treated to live performers, fresh food and numerous tables selling everything from toys to crafts and kitchen accessories. Kids lined up to get faux tattoos, make sand art and slide down the various inflatable attractions, but the carnival-like atmosphere wasn't just for fun.

The fair was sponsored by the Eastern Christian Children's Retreat, and proceeds went toward the institution's operational costs. The retreat, located at 700 Mountain Ave., is a nonprofit that houses and cares for those with developmental disabilities. 

Executive director Jayne Press said that the Country Fair is one of the retreat's main annual fundraisers, in addition to direct appeals, concerts, beefsteak dinners and a fashion show. The retreat also applies for various grants and has received Community Development Block Grants from Bergen County but relies on the generosity of the community to continue its mission to serve those in need. However, charitable giving has slowed with the economic downturn, Press said, making events such as the fair even more crucial for the retreat's ability to serve its patients.

The community's generosity also extends to time spent. Press said that the fair was dependent upon volunteers from the retreat, local businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, churches, the high schools' Interact clubs and more.

"I couldn't do it without them," Press said.

The costs to run the fair are minimal as the vendors rent space to feature their wares, and some present simply donated their time and products.

The retreat next plans a concert by Michael Kelly Blanchard from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Cornerstone Christian Church on Wyckoff Avenue.