Overview:
The Community Church of North Orange & Tully held their 80th annual Village Fair on Saturday, August 16, with a 5K race, raffles, and vendors drawing area residents to the church and Goddard Park. The event, which takes place on the third Saturday of August every year, raises funds for the upkeep of the church and its various missions. The fair raised approximately $6,300 for the church and its missions.
ORANGE — Passing clouds and warm temperatures moderated by a pleasant breeze provided a backdrop for the Community Church of North Orange & Tully’s 80th annual Village Fair last weekend.
In addition to a number of vendors, raffles and a 5K race drew residents to the church and neighboring Goddard Park for the fair, which takes place on the third Saturday of August.
Pastor Charlotte Weltzin described the church as “United Church of Christ, Universalist/Unitarian, and non-denominational. We really are a community church. Everyone is welcome,” adding that the church participates in ecumenical events and services throughout the year with other churches in Orange and Athol.
Weltzin said when the Village Fair began 80 years ago, the purpose was to raise funds for the upkeep of the church, which it still does today, along with its various missions.
“Giving back to the community, that sort of thing,” she added.
The 5K hybrid race stepped off at 8:30 a.m. with 48 participants. Katie Babineau and Wesley Lawless were the first two runners to cross the finish line.
The top prize for one of the raffles was a choice between two cords of wood or $650 in cash. The wood was donated by local logger Joe Adams of Orange in memory of Gus and Kathryn Johnson, both of whom were active in the church and community.
Wanda Kukas, one of the Johnsons’ daughters, explained that Adams wanted to make the donation because her parents “were like a mother and father to him. He was part of the family.” The sign in front of the church, said Kukas, was given in memory of her father. Her grandparents, she continued, started Johnson’s Farm. Eventually taken over by her brother Steve, the site became the popular Johnson’s Farm Restaurant & Sugar House on Wheeler Avenue, which closed in 2019.
“I love this church,” said Kukas, who was selling tickets for the raffle. “All the people here are just so nice.”
The winner of the wood raffle was Theresa Superchi of Athol. A raffle for a quilt made by Diana Towle and members of the Dorcas Society was also held. That prize went to Cristina Garcia of Orange.
Music for the event was provided by Seth Simonelli, who sang and played guitar. There was also a children’s story time, during which Orange Public Libraries Children’s Librarian April Violette read the book “Buffalo Fluffalo” by Bess Kalb. In addition, fresh baked goods, fresh produce, handwoven baskets and other items were available for purchase.
Weltzin said Monday afternoon that, between the fair and race, approximately $6,300 was raised for the church and its missions.