11/12/2025
In the News
Wow! 87 years of Port Hope United Church’s
Christmas Fayre
When an event occurs annually for 87 years, you know it must be a good one. That’s the case with the Port Hope United Church’s Christmas Fayre: it’s been taking place each year for the past 87 years. It’s been a year of celebrating anniversaries at the church: The building itself is 150 years old, and the United Church of Canada is 100 years old.
This year’s Fayre will be held on Saturday, November 15, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The popular luncheon served during the Fayre will be returned to the line-up this year. The 2020 Fayre was held on-line due to Covid, so of course, there was no lunch served. Finally, a light lunch will resume this year from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will include homemade soup, a roll, tea/coffee and homemade cookie for $10 per person.
Members and friends of the United Church Women (UCW), known as The Tuesday Morning Group, meet year-round, knitting, crocheting and creating craft items in preparation for the Fayre. “Anyone who wants to join us on Tuesday mornings is welcome”, says Ms. Val Nippard, UCW president. “You can come and knit or do whatever, or you can just sit, chat and relax. You will always feel at home”, she adds.
The famous homemade “fare” offered at the “Fayre” has remained much the same over the 87 years. Most popular are the fresh-baked Christmas treats: cookies, cakes, squares, and delicatessen items like jams and jellies. In addition, hand-knit goods are available. Various craft items will be offered, including handmade Christmas greeting cards. Holiday home décor, such as freshly-made Christmas wreaths as well as fresh evergreen for outdoor decorating will be available.
New this year are various vendors who have purchased table space, selling their own items at the Fayre. Also new this year will be the use of debit cards for purchasing the church’s items. Of course, cash is still accepted.
Port Hope United Church is located at 34 South Street, one block north of Walton at Brown Street.
In keeping with the 87-year tradition, the church group has decided to maintain the long-standing name of the event. They continue to use the word “Fayre” – a pseudo-archaic spelling of Fair, giving the event that “old-tyme” feeling.
Photo: A display of delicious home baking and red pepper jelly and mint jelly at past Fayres.
