It was a perfect sunny day on Saturday, July 16 when Our Lady Queen of Peace church held its annual summer fair. The sale on the church’s two floors and parking lot consisted of a yard sale, silent auction, book sale, baked goods, and luncheon. 

“This is our one big fundraiser for the year,” said sale coordinator Martha Barrett. 

Most of the proceeds go to the church’s maintenance fund. Some money is also set aside to donate to local food pantries and other charitable organizations throughout the year. However, the main goal this summer is to raise enough to replace the roof on the large church building. 

“We do have some active leaks,” said Barrett. She said the roof was put on 15 years ago but a bad batch of shingles has necessitated continual repairs since then. The ocean breeze had also caused some shingles to fall off.  

“I think we all needed that sense of community that brings us together for a common goal (of fixing the roof),” said Mary Pierce. Pierce has been participating in the church bake sale for over 30 years. “With COVID, you passed each other in the file, but that was it. So it's nice coming back together.”

This summer was also the first time since the pandemic that the church has gotten to have its full sale. Last year, all of the events were held outside due to COVID-19 safety guidelines. The luncheon lobster roll also made its return thanks to a discount provided by Atlantic Edge, according to luncheon organizer Elaine Walsh. 

Volunteers reported business was steady throughout the day. Neil Whitman, who oversaw the yard sale, estimated that they’d sold more than 60% of their items. 

One customer, transferring a large white birdcage into his car’s backseat, declared it the deal of the day.