Shop, bid, and eat at St. James Church’s 64th Annual Auction and Community Fest

Going once, going twice, sold! If you love a good auction and you’re looking to find some interesting items to add to your home’s décor while mingling with the local community, St. James Episcopal Church’s 64th annual Auction and Community Fest is for you.

“We’re proud to carry on this legacy of community engagement,” says Andrea Good and Chris Megerdichian, auction co-chairs. “This church has been here since 1751. Generations of North Salemites have participated and filled their homes with auction treasures and enjoyed seeing old friends.”

The well-respected, longstanding event takes place rain or shine on and around the grounds of St. James Church and in the Village Hall at 296 Titicus Road on Saturday, July 29, from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; the Live Auction kicks off at 11:00 a.m. and runs through 1:00 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

“Townspeople anticipate the auction every summer – there’s a crowd that builds before the 10:00a.m. entrance time. When the gate opens, people charge the boutique, white elephant, and scan the auction items before the live auction begins,” says Good and Megerdichian. “Annually, the volunteers, not just churchgoers, break out their church-emblemed yellow shirts to take part in helping direct visitors.”

The live auction takes place under the tent from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. “Our good old fashioned country auction is led by a renowned auctioneer, George Cole,” said the co-chairs. Seated bidders receive a numbered paddle to bid on more than 100 antiques and collectibles. In addition, there is a large, classic Silent Auction held outdoors where bidders can bid on some exciting gift cards for restaurants, wine, sweets, horseback riding, theater and more.

Upstairs in the Village Hall, shoppers can browse the church's treasured Boutique, a perennial favorite, where, the co-chairs say, is “the good stuff.” Items range from fine glass tableware and lamps, to art, jewelry, handbags and antiques. Step outside and you can check out the bargains at the outdoor White Elephant that offers a range of items, including everything one would need to outfit a first apartment, to kitchenware, tools, frames, books, sports gear, and toys. Here, you can fill a bag for only $20.00.

A St. James favorite is a raffle for a handmade, queen-sized quilt made by Carolynn Young, a St. James parishioner and award-winning quilter who makes the quilt annually. Featuring a Between the Line stitching pattern with a chicken-themed fabric, it will be on display for viewing.

Get your appetite ready. The St. James Grill, run by the same devoted crew every year, will be serving up its well-known veggie and beef burgers and hot dogs with all the fixings. Across from the grill, stop in at the Country Kitchen where you’ll find an array of homemade baked goods, including pies, breads, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, along with locally grown vegetables, gazpacho and iced coffee.

The Auction and Community Fest is St. James’ main annual fundraising event. “It helps us carry out our mission of fellowship, music, liturgy and outreach resources, which we use to help feed and supply the hungry, homeless and imprisoned locally and overseas,” said the co-chairs. “Funds also support maintaining our historic buildings and grounds.”

The event also offers local businesses an opportunity to showcase their goods and services and participate in the silent auction. “We like to invite local organizations to extend the community outreach and goodwill. This year, the Croton Falls Fire Department, Climate Smart Team, and Brewster Food Pantry are among the participating organizations. Event organizers encourage attendees to bring a non-perishable canned or packaged good to benefit the Brewster Community Food Pantry.

“Come by for an hour or stay all day,” said the co-chairs.

________________________________________________________

St. James Episcopal Church 64th annual Auction and Community Fest, 296 Titicus Road, Saturday, July 29, 10:00am - 3:00pm. Free admission and free parking. View auction items under the tent from 10a.m.-11:00a.m.; live auction runs 11:00a.m. - 1:00p.m. Rain or shine. For more information and to purchase quilt raffle tickets, visit: stjamesns.com/auction.