SPC Fall Fair Celebrates Autumn, and Community
Bluegrass pickers will convene at the Swarthmore Presbyterian Church Fall Fair in a jam session starting around 12:45 p.m. Leader Harry Gambrill said, “Anyone is welcome to join in. You only need to be relatively proficient on your instrument with the chords G, C, and D. At the jam, someone will choose and lead a song that everyone accompanies playing and, if one desires, take turns playing instrumental breaks. Bluegrass jamming is a wonderful social event that brings people of all ages and walks of life together.” (The Phanatic — here disrupting things at the 2018 Fall Fair — will not be joining the 2019 jam.)
Swarthmore Presbyterian Church (SPC) hosts its 41st annual Fall Fair on Saturday, October 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 727 Harvard Avenue in Swarthmore.
Celebrating fall with Swarthmore and the broader community since 1978, the event has become known for its bonanza bargains on everything from antiques and jewelry, to flea market treasures, handbags, toys and sports equipment, pumpkins and mums, furniture and a wide selection of books.
People return year after year not only for household deals but also for the fair’s signature Scotch eggs and fresh homemade salads. Browse the baked goods, fried dough, grilled favorites, fresh seafood and other delicious treats. Come hungry!
Kids’ activities will include bounce houses, face painting, pumpkin bowling, and more. The Fair will march to a soundtrack of live music from 10 a.m. through closing. A brass band kicks off with marches by John Philip Sousa and others, followed at 11:15 a.m. by the guitar and vocal duet Tom Monari and Sarah Williams. Two local bluegrass outfits will take the stage at 12:30 p.m., followed by a bluegrass jam (bring your instrument!).
Parking is available on Harvard Avenue in the lot across from the church, in lots at CADES on Rutgers Ave. which will be served by a free shuttle bus, and throughout the Borough of Swarthmore, which is free on Sunday.
For more information, visit Swarthmore Presbyterian’s website, or call Fall Fair Co-Chair Amy Connell at 610-724-1004 or Church Administrator Dorrie McGrath at 610-543-4712.
