Crowds Gather at Amicable Congregational for Old-Fashioned Country Fair

It looked like the circus had come to town. The tents attracted passersby who parked along Main Road, scrambling from their cars with kids in tow to one of the greatest events Tiverton has to offer, the Amicable Congregational Church Summer Fair.

For over 50 years, the fair has been a staple of summertime in Tiverton.

“We can’t do this without tents, and it’s a good advertisement,” said the Rev. William Sterrett, pastor of the church for 23 years. “But the most important thing that is happening is community building. People have so much fun, they keep coming back.”

Under the main tent last Saturday, there was an old-fashioned country fair underway. Folks were busy browsing among a wide variety of silent auction items, including gift baskets, a grill with accessories, an Irish knit sweater and even a dog kennel with crate and accessories.

“Everything is new, and there are over 100 items,” said auction worker Martha MacNaught.

Many of the items were donated by area businesses.

“Traditionally, the silent auction brings in about 40 percent of the funds we raise,” said Pastor Bill. “This is always an important fundraiser for the church. The monies go to church operation.”

People were wandering through rows of furniture and antiques in the yard sale section, which was under the direction of Sheila Gediman.

The book sale also was doing brisk business.

“The books are always a draw,” Pastor Bill said.

A striking, full-size Dresden Plate quilt was available for the price of a raffle ticket, the creation the handiwork of the weekly quilters’ group.

Sandra Lovley was manning the jewelry booth with her mother Emilie and daughter Chantal, who recently graduated second in her class from Tiverton High. She will be going to Pratt in the fall, majoring in fashion design.

Her artistry was being put to good use.

“The jewelry is donated by members,” Chantal said. “We organize it and price it.”

Growing up on a potato farm in rural Maine, Sandra said her second home is Tiverton. She has been a member of Amicable Congregational for the past 11 years.

“When you walk through the doors, people greet you; and that’s what attracted me,” she said. “The pastor is excellent, and they are always doing things for other organizations around town. It’s a great community.”

Six-year-old Robert Campion, wearing his Little League shirt, pitched a ball, scoring a bull’s eye and prize, in the games area.

“I love them,” his mom, Erin Campion, said about her hometown church community. “It’s so kid-oriented. They do a lot with children and teach them what is important. They concentrate a lot on community and family.”

Inside the church hall, the white elephant sale covered the perimeters of the room.

“Here you find the treasures,” said Pastor Bill, smiling. “We put a lot of different things in a small space.”

Back outside under another tent, lunch items were being offered, including a fresh salad bar, hot dogs, chourico subs, sausage grinders, nachos and Gray’s Ice Cream. Fresh brewed coffee and baked goods also were available.

Chief organizer Barbie Lewis sat at one of the tables with her godchildren snuggled in her lap.

“Sunshine makes a difference in the crowd,” she said of the event that she started planning right after last year’s fair.

The office administrator of the church, Barbie was at the helm coordinating the efforts of more than 60 volunteers.

“There are a lot of people we can count on,” she said. “It’s like family.”

Nancy Lundgren was having lunch at another table with her husband Raymond and friends Marion Smith and Gloria Doughty.

“I’m one of the workers, and I’ve been a member over 50 years,” said Nancy. “Amicable means it’s a very friendly, supportive church. Spiritually, I just think it’s what we all do to help each other in times of need. This is a wonderful event. The community is great, and we have a good time.”