WESTMINSTER WEST — After the pandemic led to cancellation of last year's Westminster West Community Fair, planners thought Vermont's great vaccination rate would allow a return to in-person events this year.
Instead, they said that the surge of cases with the delta variant has them creating alternatives - from curbside pickup of take-out barbecue to a raffle and an online auction. Most events take place the weekend of Sept. 10-12.
The Community Fair is the largest annual fundraiser for the Congregational Church of Westminster West.
“These funds help to support the community church as a gathering place, welcoming presence, and calm voice during challenging times,” fair organizers said in a news release.
Fair organizers say last year's silent auction online fundraiser “proved to be fun and rewarding. Participate this year, and you will be helping to support the extended community of the community church without leaving home.”
You can view all auction items at westminsterwest.org beginning in early September.
Bidding opens Saturday, Sept. 4 at 9 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12. Email your bid to Cheryl Charles at [email protected] for the item or items of your choice.
The highest bid for each item will be the winner. Bids are updated daily until the final day, when updates come hourly - and then every 15 minutes. Winners will be notified within 24 hours.
For the raffle, a $10 ticket buys a chance to win one of three prizes: A seascape painting by Westminster Selectboard member Toby Young; a $200 gift certificate for any AirBnB rental anywhere, anytime; or a weekend at Surf Ranch AirBnB in York, Maine.
Westminster West's cookbook, Beyond Soup Night, is available for $25.
Takeout barbecue prepared by chef Tristan Toleno will be available on Saturday, Sept. 11. A chicken dinner with side dishes and dessert will be served, along with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Advance orders are required.
All of the proceeds will benefit the Westminster West Community Church. For additional information, visit westminsterwest.org.