The United Congregational Church of Little Compton will hold its 63rd Annual Summer Church Fair, and the 43rd Annual Road Race, this Saturday at the Commons.

The day kicks off at 8:30 with the kids race on the Wilbur McMahon school fields and the 4.8-mile road race follows. This year, Debby Ladd, long-time resident of Westport and for the past 25 years of Little Compton, will send the runners off by sounding an air horn promptly at 9 a.m. Debby started attending Sunday School in the 1950s at the church, serving on many church committees including Chair of Finance and Chair of the Road Race, for years. She has been involved with Real Estate for over 40 years and is the former owner of Country and Coastal Properties. She now works with Compass.

With the runners off, the craft and art vendors located on the street and Pike’s Peak open will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The famed White Elephant, bake sale and book sale are in the big tent directly behind the church in the North Garden. The jewelry table is located under a tent by the front entrance to the church. Children’s games are located under the tent across the street from the church. They open at 9 with a bounce house, face painting and lots of games for all ages, but will pause for Grammy winner Bill Harley at 11:30. Harley is best known for his work with children and families, and his ability to navigate through a confusing world with humor and wisdom is evident in his masterful storytelling, singing, recordings and books.

The UCC-LC and Friends band will play from 10 to11:30 with a pause for Bill Harley. Food vendors include Del’s Lemonade, The Sausage Guy from Fenway, Lepages on The Go, and Palagis Ice Cream, as well as the Famous Lobster Lunch. Lunchtime is followed by the dog show at 1p.m., located behind the White Elephant tent.

Although the main Fair Day is Saturday, the silent auction will open with a preview party on Friday, July 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. with wine, hors d’oeuvres and live music in the Sunday School building across from the church. The in-person and online 32auction site will close on Friday, July 19 at 6 p.m. The auction has unique items to view, gift certificates, and experiences to create adventures to enjoy. The auction room will be open for viewing the week after the fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See www.32auctions.com/SummerFair2024

Don’t forget also that the Thursday Thrift Shop run by the Church, just south of the Commons, will also be open on Saturday from 10 to 3.

To register for both of the road races, see www.ucclittlecompton.org. The festival happens rain or shine.