Our special month has finally arrived, and everyone and everything is about ready for the biggest event in our church year—THE COUNTRY FAIR. The dates are Friday and Saturday, September 17^th and 18^th.

So many people have worked so hard for an entire year getting things organized for each booth. Church members, friends, and other interested individuals have been extremely generous in donating and collecting goods for us to sell. We have many nice items in every department—something for everyone. If you haven’t had the opportunity to help organize, price, pick-up, create, decorate, clean, repair, or bake, please donate a few hours on Thursday, September 16^th to set up the booths. Workers will be at the church all day and can find a job for anyone. So please come out and help! The hours of operation for the Fair are 7AM until 8PM on Friday (so you can shop after you have had dinner), and 7AM until 2PM on Saturday.
The event begins the week before the Fair on Saturday, September 11^th, with the Kick-off Concert, to be held in the sanctuary at 7PM. There will be no ticket reservations—first come, first served. The program, planned by Kathy Parker and Brenda Causey, is a spectacular salute to our local and regional heroes as we remember the events of September 11, 2001, on its 9^th year anniversary. The choir, along with special guest soloist, Laurie Kelly, will present a program of inspirational music. This is one concert you will not want to miss, so bring your friends and family and come early to claim your seat. 

Another part of the Fair that everyone enjoys is the food. On both Friday and Saturday mornings, beginning at 7AM, sausage biscuits, coffee and juice will be available outside the kitchen for a nominal fee. If you prefer something sweet, the baked goods booth will have a variety of muffins, cookies, Danish patries, candies, breads, pies, cakes, etc. in every size, kind, and flavor. For lunch you may visit our grilling station and get a great hamburger, hot dog, or Italian sausage—try all three—with the availability of a variety of soft drinks. On Friday night, September 17^th, you may feast at our annual dinner on fried chicken, green beans, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, rolls and tea for a cost of $8 for adults, $5 for young people (ages 6-18), and children 5 and under eat free. If you prefer to have dessert with your meal, you may also visit the baked goods booth for that “something extra.” Tickets for the Friday night meal are required. If you did not receive tickets in the mail, or did not purchase them at the special table on Sunday morning, August 29^th, you still can get them by picking them up at the church office from Darcie or Carol any time during the days before the Country Fair, or by visiting the tables set up for the purchase of tickets on Sunday, September 5^th and 13^th. You may also purchase tickets at the door—no one will be turned away—just remember that it helps us to know how much to prepare if you purchase your tickets in advance.
One new procedure that we have incorporated into this year’s Country Fair, is the use of the credit card machine. Any purchases from any booths that are made at the Fair, or any tickets that are bought for the Friday night meal, may be charged to your Master Card, Visa, or Discover credit cards. 

As time draws near, and as we all reflect on the many uses of the money generated from this fund raising event, let us all be in prayer that this be a cooperative, successful opportunity for our church and for our community. SEE YOU AT THE COUNTRY FAIR!