In January this year IARA members agreed there was enough support to put on a Fair in 2024, after a year off with just the more limited “UnFair” event last year – mainly fundraising for the MAP café.
After months of work, it happened last Sunday – 23 June! We have received a lot of messages of appreciation – and some reservations and suggestions (mainly about noise levels).
The event this year was another reminder of what a diverse and wonderful community we live in. The Fair relies on a huge amount of local support, and a planning group who do everything for free and in their spare time.
A big call out to Jonathan B for leading us through the months of preparation, hosting and cajoling us when needed, and keeping us on track.
A massive thanks to all the organisers
– To David P for once again doing an incredible job to manage what was a record 116 stalls who registered.
– Thank you to all our residents, from IARA and nearby, who managed their own stalls. We hope you enjoyed the experience and still got the opportunity to look around a bit during the day
– To the organisers of the three stages – Chris T, Michael P and Danny C. The day would not be the same without them and their performers.
– To Jane and the support from Sarah H and Jeremy for the volunteer recruitment. This has become a critical role and one that requires much planning and dedication. Without it the fair simply cannot function. We are enormously grateful.
– On this note we say a huge thank you to everyone who did volunteer. There are too many of you to mention but we are really grateful. It is your support that makes the difference!
– To Caitlin for working so hard on our sustainability theme and for producing a terrific programme. Thank you also to Ollie for its design
– To Debby, Sarah C and Jonathan F on the Bar Ink – it looked splendid (and quite French).
– To David J, Vivienne and Trish and the local history group – thank you. It proved very popular with people finding out about the area and for some tracing the story of who lived in their house over 100 years ago.
– To Dilip, Jeff W, Peter, Jeremy on the wildlife and gardening stalls, which attracted a lot of interest.
– To Paul S for acquiring, learning and then teaching everyone how to use the card readers.
– To the Lido lifeguards who provided first aid.
Finally, a shout out to everyone who donated – Franchi, Ace Sports, and Mario for the prizes, Pricewise graphics, Kall Kwik Printing and Morgan Stationers for our extensive printing needs, and once again a huge thanks goes to Julia Evangelista for another amazing parade (see pictures above).
And to the Camden Events team – for giving us the licence to have fun. And Veolia for cleaning up before and after.
BTW here are the results of the prize draw:
Numbers were:
191 – Mario’s breakfast – not yet claimed.
121 – Franchi drill – claimed
376 – Ace Sports – claimed