MIDDLEBURY — Middlebury’s annual Peasant Market will take place this year on Saturday, July 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Middlebury town green.
A St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church tradition for decades, Peasant Market had it’s start as a “women’s fair” shortly after the church was founded in 1827. The market took on its current name in the 1940’s, and has been a local tradition ever since. All proceeds are donated to area non-profits and service organizations. Last year’s market raised over $20,000 and was distributed to local charities.
Among the highlights this year is the raffle for a “wee lassie” kayak crafted by volunteer boat wrights from St. Stephen’s congregation. Assembled in Ed McGuire’s hanger in New Haven, the kayak is crafted out of ¾ inch Alaskan yellow and red cedar strips, with two black stripes of Peruvian walnut on each side.
She is finished with four coats of varnish to protect the fiberglass from UV radiation. She is an open kayak 13 feet 6 inches long and weighs about 28 lbs. Raffle tickets will be on sale for $10 each (or 6 for $50) at St. Stephen’s Church, the Bristol 4th of July parade, or on Peasant Market day until 12:45 p.m. The drawing will happen at 1 p.m. on July 7, and you do not have to be present to win.
Items for sale this year include antiques, white elephant gifts, books, clothing and jewelry, small rugs and linens, sporting goods, and more. A children’s booth will feature used clothing, toys, and books. The St. Stephen’s pie brigade will be baking 100 or so pies to sell, along with other tasty treats. A children’s Midway will feature games for children and families and food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Donations will be gladly accepted at St. Stephen’s June 18 through June 23, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; June 25 through June 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and June 19 and June 28, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Unfortunately computers and accessories, VCR’s, non flat televisions, DVD players, microwaves, large appliances, luggage, magazines, textbooks, plastic containers, shoes, or items that are not clean or in good condition cannot be accepted.