Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church Harvest Fair back in full swing

After a modified but still-successful Harvest Fair in 2020, Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church is bringing back its signature fundraiser in full force this fall.

“I am really happy to report that the event is on for this year,” said volunteer Carol Huff, of O’Hara.

The Harvest Fair is scheduled for Sept. 10-11 at the church at the corner of Fox Chapel and Field Club roads.

Huff said shoppers are already eager to browse the dozen rooms full of gently used housewares, decorations and furniture after a somewhat limited sale in 2020 because of covid-19 restrictions.

Despite being appointment-only last year, the event still brought in more than $55,000, Director Gwen Zaleski said.

“We were thrilled with the amount, given the challenges of holding the fair during a pandemic,” Huff said.

“We are truly grateful for all the support we had from the community, our volunteers and the church staff. We received incredible donations.”

Organizers are hoping proceeds will climb near $100,000 this year, which is typical for the boutique sale. Money is doled out to local groups, such as the Sharpsburg Youth Empowerment, Aspinwall Meals on Wheels, women’s health organizations and global initiatives.

Items not sold were donated to local charities so that everything found a home, Huff said.

Volunteers are seeking donations for this year’s event and will be on hand at the church three days a week to collect furniture, household goods, china, jewelry, sports equipment, linens, art, rugs, seasonal decor and collectibles.

Items should be new or lightly used.

Bed pillows, text books, TVs and mattresses will not be accepted.

Donations should be taken to the hall entrance off Springhouse Lane in the rear of the church. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

“It seems like there is a new phrase for describing what we have been doing for 65 years,” Huff said. “We are part of a circular economy where old things are reused, repurposed and then used again. Vintage has become very popular.”