Description

The Old Sloop Fair at the handicap-accessible First Congregational Church of Rockport, 12 School Street, will span two July weekends this year.  The Fair will begin with the Rummage Sale, offering gently used clothing, linens, shoes, handbags, etc, on Saturday, July 13 from 8:00AM to 2:00PM.

The Old Sloop Fair is one of the oldest and largest church fairs on the Massachusetts North Shore, and a true Rockport tradition.  The fair originated in 1957 under the guidance of Pastor Ed Nutting, and is an important fundraising activity for the church.

The First Congregational Church was organized in 1755.  The sanctuary building was constructed in 1804 as the Sand Bay Parish meetinghouse.  The tall steeple and white façade close to the shoreline resemble a ship’s sail when seen from the sea, inspiring the local fishermen to call the church “The Old Sloop”.