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Sunshine Brings Crowds to New Canaan's May Fair

The St. Mark's May Fair has been a New Canaan rite of spring for more than six decades. Its homespun combination of rides, games, rummage sales and food has created word of mouth that draws people from beyond New Canaan to enjoy the day before Mother's Day on the grounds of the Oenoke Ridge church.

Kendall Sweeney, Rachel Mendelsohn and Marisa Strauss came from Cross River, N.Y., to sample the strawberry shortcake that is the signature dish of the fair and help a friend who is a member of the parish. "We've been working the soda stand since this morning," said Sweeney. "It's been pretty busy, but we're taking a break to eat."

They weren't alone. Two serving stations kept dishing out shortcake, with or without ice cream, to a steady line of customers beneath the portico of the church. Down the way, a food court served barbequed chicken, brisket and corn on the cob. "This is the first corn I've eaten this season," said Susan Higgins, munching on a golden ear between bites of brisket. "I guess that means spring has truly arrived.” Higgins, a recent transplant to New Canaan from Manhattan, enjoyed her late lunch in solitude while her husband shepherded their kids among the dozens of rides, all with long lines.

"I think this is as big as I've ever seen it," said Lt. Bill Ferri of the New Canaan Police, directing traffic while his daughters and their children enjoyed a ride. "It was packed half an hour after they opened, and there will be people here until they close at 7. With weather like this, who can blame them?"

Did you go to the May Fair this year? What was your favorite part?

 

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