St. Ann's Annual Parish Fair Held Last Weekend

St. Ann’s Annual Parish Fair was held this past weekend and drew in many people looking for crafts, baked goods and holiday items.

 “Hundreds of people come to the fair and some of the people come back every year,” said Parish Fair Committee Chairperson Carole Sheppard. The fair started off with a Gala Reception on Friday evening which included wine, cheese, hors d'oeuvres and musical entertainment.

Avalon Fox, a senior at Bayport High School, played the violin along with Cathy Senese, St. Ann’s very own organist. “This took it up to a whole new level. The reception was elegant,” Sheppard said. 

All gift baskets were prepared by parishioners and many local merchants donated goods for the raffle. The fair raises money to keep the many charitable programs running and for repairs needed to the Parish Hall and Church. “This enables us to continue our outreach to the community, to help others in need," Sheppard. said

Two local children’s authors from Sayville, Betty Whitehouse and Addie Meyer Sanders, were in attendance to donate all the proceeds of their book sales to the church. Betty Whitehouse, who started the Parish Fair more than 50 years ago, is still very much involved. She was also an astronomy and earth science teacher in Sayville schools and her son is Jack Whitehouse, author of Sayville Orphan Heroes.

Addie Meyer Sanders, who has been a Sayville resident for more than 30 years, taught fifth grade and for 25 years was a visiting author to many schools. 

Parishioner Alissa Williams gladly donated her time and homemade chocolate covered pretzels to show her appreciation for the encouragement she received from the church when her now 15-month-old daughter was born with congenital heart failure. “Father Gary came to the hospital and gave his support. I want to give back for the support I received,” Williams said. Fortunately, after three open heart surgeries, her daughter is doing well.

Peter Brown of Sayville and Kathleen Dreelan of Bay Shore were selling photo cards by Sayville’s own Bill Colson to help raise money for repairs to the church. “The tower is leaking badly,” Brown said. The goal is to raise $400,000 to help repair leaks, gaps and cracks and replace carpets and more from water damage.

The patrons of the fair were not just limited to adults. There were plenty of children in attendance as well. Sisters Jaden, 8, and Jayna, 9 were shopping with their grandmother and browsing the tables with treats and Christmas trinkets. “We always like to look at the crafts and the toys are really good and I want to win the American Girl Doll in the raffle," Jayna said. Her little sister Jayda was shopping for Christmas gifts.  “I want to buy some stuff for Christmas for my family,” she said.  

To get more information on upcoming events and worship services at St. Ann’s visit their for more information.