Street Fair Promises Something for Everyone
Jayna Smith
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Saturday of International Homecoming Festival each year brings hundreds to downtown Calais. Typically, in addition to enjoying the many vendors of the street fair, all enjoy the grand parade. This year, however, due to restrictions at the border crossing resulting from the global pandemic, there will be no international parade. Instead, the highlight of the day will be the huge street fair, set to be bigger than ever in recent years.
The street fair is an annual event hosted by the St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce as a fundraiser for the organization. According to chamber director Kara Mitchell, “The street fair is an opportunity for the St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce to work with the businesses on Main Street in Calais. In order to line the streets with vendors, we must first know what the businesses have planned. Businesses open their doors and offer games, prizes, and sidewalk sales.”
One of these includes the famous and fun grab bags offered by Rachel Ashley Jewelers. This allows shoppers to purchase a wrapped item for just $5. These items include pieces of jewelry or, for the luckiest of the day, a diamond ring worth far more than $5.
Artemis’s Attic also gets into the fun with its own offerings. Typically, owner Shari Doten offers sales and discounted prices on some items, along with an array of goods outside for a sidewalk sale.
As for the vendors of the street fair, Mitchell explained that there will be something of interest for everyone. “We have an array of organizations, non-profits, education reps, crafters, and reps from places like Mary Kay, Arbonne, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, and Thirty-One,” she said of this year’s street fair vendors.
“This year, patrons can expect raffles and auctions from the Lioness and Lions Clubs, as well as the Downeast Amateur Astronomers setting up a telescope with activities.”
She said Main Street will be closed from the corner of North and Main to Jo's Diner & Pizzeria.
Also throughout the day on Saturday, August 6, the Calais Free Library will have activities for children, and music and activities will be happening at the downtown triangle park. At the base of the hill, near the riverfront walkway, Sabastian's Wood Fired Oven will be serving pizza.
One can learn more about the St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce by visiting its Facebook page or visitstcroixvalley.com or by emailing questions and inquiries to [email protected].