"Together, just for fun"

The Georgetown Record



June 14, 2012

Folks of all ages gathered at the First Congregational Church this past Saturday to ring in the season with Summer Fun Day on Saturday, June 9.

A highlight of the day, church historian Chris Comiskey offered tours of the church's Paul Revere bell. Visitors took turns tolling the 870-pound bell.

"Its been ringing every Sunday at a little before 10:30 in the morning for nearly 200 years and is still in very good condition to this day," said Comiskey.

A marketplace featuring 16 local vendors set up shop on the church lawn, offering everything from handmade jewelry and soaps to face painting and doll clothing accessories. A lobster raffle where one could win a dozen one-and-a-half-pound lobsters also took place.

The day's festivities were designed as a last chance effort to spend a day together before church members disperse for summer vacations.

"We wanted to have this event before everyone splits and goes off to do their thing this summer," explained Michelle Brock, church secretary. "After a steady fall fair, we looked forward to this. That's the beauty of June."

Homegrown businesses like Nancy's Doll Creations of West Newbury could be found amongst the series of tents and booths lining the church lawn. Nancy Mitchell began designing clothes for her granddaughter's dolls years ago.

"She got her first American Girl Doll for Christmas and I figured it would be less expensive to start sewing rather than order from the catalog. And the quality was much better."

Mitchell sells apparel and accessories for 15- and 18-inch dolls such as American Girl and Bitty Baby. Other companies included Lauren MacDonald Photography of Georgetown, Merrimack Valley Essentials and Marlene's "Bowtique."

"I'm a retired school teacher and have been making bows and headbands going on for five years," said Marlene Schroeder of Newbury. "I started making them for my granddaughter, who as a good bit of hair. I was also at the fall fair, and this has been really nice."

Schroeder also works with George Comiskey, husband to Chris, and the Parker River Clean Water Association on projects such as turtle research and the trail along the river.

While at the Summer Fun Day, she was befriended by Lexi Guy, daughter of Sandy Guy, owner of Merrimack Valley Essentials.

The vendors were stationed side by side.

"She likes the Hello Kitty bow," said Guy of Salisbury, a three-year first place winner at Topsfield Fair and a 1988 Georgetown graduate.

Merrimack Valley Essentials provides customers with body products, handmade soy candles, pet care products, and more. Little's Block of Shops carries these goods at the corner of West Main and North Street.

Members of the Georgetown Girl Scouts helped the church with the kid's craft fair.

"We're doing hair-beading, sanding, and offering hair feathers today," stated Michelle Bridges, who worked alongside Janice Murphy, Sharon Lee and the kids.