THANK YOU! for a very successful 2013 Old Sloop Fair. You donated generously, you worked hard, you attended in large numbers, and you bid enthusiastically. As of this writing, the 2013 fair grossed some $26,024.92 for the church. There are a few items yet to be sold, and there are a few expenses yet to be deducted, but it looks like our net will be about $26,000, matching our budgeted goal.

Planning has already begin for the 2014 Old Sloop Fair. Tentatively, the Rummage Sale will take place on Saturday, July 12, the Summer Fair events will be on Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19, and the Giant Yard Sale will wrap things up on Saturday, July 26. If you you would like to receive information about the 2014 Old Sloop Fair as plans solidify, please send email to OldSloopFair@rockportucc.org. Visit our Facebook page (link below) to see photographs from the 2013 and past years' Fairs.

The Old Sloop Fair is one of the oldest and largest church fairs on the Massachusetts North Shore. The First Congregational Church was organized in 1755. The building that is now the church sanctuary was constructed in 1804 and originally served as the Sandy Bay meeting house. The tall steeple and white facade close to the Sandy Bay shoreline resemble a ship's sail when seen from the sea, and the nickname "Old Sloop" was conferred by the fishermen. The steeple contains the Town Clock. Proceeds from the Old Sloop Fair go toward the church's operating expenses and the ongoing restoration and preservation of the buildings. A project to restore the roof, siding, and windows was just completed, financed by a Community Preservation Act grant and by contributions from parishioners and townspeople.