Giles the St. Gile’s Church mouse prepares the jump for the hobby horse competition planned during the July 30 fair in Jefferson. Submitted photo

St. Giles Church’s mascot, Giles the mouse, has been busily working with parishioners to prepare a fun day for kids at the church’s annual fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at 72 Gardiner Road, Jefferson.

A highlight of the kids’ activities will be a Hobby Horse Showjumping Competition, a timed event to take place at 11 a.m. Kids can bring their own hobby horse (stick horse) or use a horse provided by fair organizers, according to a news release from the church.

In addition, there will be a model toy horse showmanship event. Before the fair, kids can dress up their favorite model horse, and then bring it to the fair to be judged, and perhaps win a prize.

And there will be seven children’s activity booths: a ring toss, sand art, a corn hole, obstacle course, clown beanbag toss, rubber ducky plucky, gone fishin.’ All the kids’ activities are free because of sponsorship from Berry and Burbank law firm.

For adults, there will be a raffle that includes donations and gift certificates from local businesses and restaurants.

There will also be a silent auction of four items: an exquisite multicolored blue queen-size handmade quilt, pro kneepads, an Australian horse saddle, and firewood.

For the first time at the fair, payment for items purchased can be made by credit or debit card as well as by cash or check.

And, as usual, St. Giles parishioners will have their traditional pie sale, a country cupboard booth offering jams, jellies and vegetables, and a garden nook that will offer potted perennials for fall planting, herbs, house plants and geraniums for wintering over, and gardening equipment and garden accessories.

In addition, numerous vendors will be selling a wide variety of handmade crafts including pottery, paintings, and soaps and perfumes — a great way to start  Christmas shopping.

The majority of the fair activities will be outside on the church’s spacious grounds under the tall pine trees. And a local food truck will provide lunch and snacks for hungry fair goers.

The money raised will help fund St. Giles and its outreach activities, including continued support for the Jefferson Area Community Food Pantry.

For more information, contact Tom Eichler at 207 215-3420.

Check out other upcoming area events!