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Locals from Weston and beyond filled the grounds at Emmanuel Episcopal Church for the 104th church fair Saturday, keeping old memories alive and making some new ones. "It's home," said Penny Cognato, who sat on the steps of the church with her grandson, Aiden. Penny's husband grew up in Weston, and she and her family have been coming for the fair's food, bargains and games for 40 years.
"I think it brings [the community] together, and I think it's great that the young kids are here," Cognato says. "And it gives them a tradition that they want to continue on with. I think it's very nurturing."
Parents helped their young children with fair games while the selectmen and other town officials did taste tests to determine the winner of the best cookie in Weston. Westport resident James Horelick, who comes every year "for the bargains," and other attendees flocked to snatch the best deals they could find before they ran out. Horelick lugged a bag of his treasures across the lawn. Others bid in the silent auction, which included a variety of items, such as an autographed photo of New York Yankee greats.
It is the last fair for the Rev. David Feyrer and his family as residents of Weston. He is retiring and moving to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. A pig was roasting on a spit throughout the afternoon, encouraging parishioners to attend a farewell dinner for the family later that evening.
Feyrer stressed the importance of the fair to the community, pointing out that after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the fair went on as planned. He led the crowds in a moment of silence marked by church bells before he led everyone in singing "God Bless America."
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