THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS YEAR'S FAIR A SUCCESS!
Thanks to all the volunteers, partners, vendors and sponsors who helped make our 50th year a success! We couldn't have done it without you! See 2023 photos to the left and video below.
This summer marked a special anniversary for Qualicum Beach. St. Mark’s Community Fair was back celebrating its 50th year on Saturday, July 22.
“It has taken a lot of effort and spirit to get the Fair running this year,” says the Ven. Elizabeth Northcott, priest at St. Mark Church. “Having to cancel for three years because of COVID restrictions was difficult for us. Now we’re back! We are thankful for our partners and sponsors who have stepped forward with their support. This year’s newly streamlined Fair will be a celebration.”
Over seventy-five vendors displayed their wares, featuring accessories, books, CDs, jewelry, china, glassware, antiques and crafts. People came early for those famous “Holy Roller Pies” and they were gone in less than two hours. St. Mark’s Church assures that 90% of the proceeds gathered from the pies, used books sales, as well as leasing to vendors will go to charities and not-for-profit groups for the betterment of the community.
There was a pancake breakfast as well as burgers and hot dogs at the Qualicum Beach Legion as well as entertainment from Eric Baumgartener and Debbie Ryan. Much appreciation goes to the Qualicum Beach Farmer’s Market vendors for making the move to the TOSH parking lot again this year.
St. Mark’s offered a continuous shuttle from the parking lot behind Kwalikum Secondary School to the fair grounds.
The first Community Fair, then known as the Qualicum Beach Flea Market, took place in 1973, the brainchild of parishioner Catherine Elwood, daughter of St. Mark’s first minister, the Rev. Popham. It was a big hit, with 29 stalls, games for children, and two bands playing under the trees in the Legion Park. Since then, Qualicum Beach’s largest and longest-running Fair has delighted visitors and residents alike, coming together to celebrate arts and crafts in the community.