Harvest Fair Returns to Dayton on Saturday

As the leaves slowly begin to change colors, the fall season will get an official start in town with the return of the annual Harvest Fair at the First Presbyterian Church at Dayton on Saturday.

All of the money that is raised will go towards long awaited renovations to make the historic structure handicapped accessible.

"We're to the point now of accepting bids for the project to make this building accessible to everyone," said Rev. Wendi Werner. "It's a great building but it's on four different levels. For people with accessibility issues, they can't come into worship. It's a big project and we've been working for some time to raise enough money."

The project is anticipated to cost about $200,000. Rev. Werner said they're hopeful that work can begin in the spring of 2013.

"We have the architectural plans and we're far enough along to put this out to bid," she said. "So this project has kind of moved from the shadows to saying 'oh my gosh this is actually going to happen.' So we're very excited about it."

Rev. Werner added that the renovations are crucial to the church fulfilling their mission.

"Just like every church, we say all are welcome, but what that really means is all who can get into the building," she said. "So we're working towards having a facility everyone can access regardless of their age or accessibility issues. Our rear entrance has really become our primary access, so this is an opportunity to redesign the back of the building and make it a more welcoming and hospitable place."

The fair will offer a day of fun for the entire family. There will be a church-wide rummage sale, with everything from clothes for the family to furniture. There will also be games and cool prizes for the kids. In addition, the church will be selling mums, pumpkins, baked goods, coffee, pie, and lunch with burgers and hot dogs.

The church will be holding a Tricky Tray raffle with great prizes from Broadway tickets to gift cards.

"People can come out and have the opportunity to meet their neighbors over some good old fashioned home cooking and games for the kids," Rev. Werner said. "For people who haven't picked mums or pumpkins yet they can do so, or they may find a special treasure at the rummage sale. Plus they know that every penny will be used to make sure that everybody who wants to get inside to worship here will be able to do so."

The Harvest Fair will be held Saturday from from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Dayton, located at 362 Georges Road near the intersection of Ridge Road.

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