Annual Carmelite Fair is scheduled for Sept. 15

Intermountain Catholic

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Carol Ernst (left) and Mary Solak wrap silent auction baskets for the Carmelite Fair and say there are more baskets this year and many themes from which people may choose. IC photo/Christine Young

HOLLADAY — Committees are meeting and preparations are being made for the annual Carmelite Fair to be held Sept. 15 at the Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Monastery in Holladay. 

The fair will begin with the 4th annual "Run for the Nuns" 5K Run/Walk. The event is open to all ages and fitness levels and is in memory of Carmelite Sister Mary Joseph Whipperman, who passed away in 2010. Sr. Mary Joseph was well known in the community as the monastery’s extern sister and the organizer of the Carmelite fair.

The fair is the nuns’ principle financial support, said Carmelite Mother Maureen Goodwin.

"We don’t only depend upon the fair, but we have come to find out that the Salt Lake community really wants it," she said. "We are really working hard to prepare for it. It’s important for us and also for those who come because they really appreciate it; it’s just a fun event for all concerned even though it’s a lot of work. People are so generous and the sisters are so grateful."

In preparing for the fair, Carmelite Sister Miriam Nguyen has embroidered a table runner with eight place mats and napkins, plus two kitchen towels. Carmelite Sister Mary Madeleine has cross-stitched an Oriental scene. These items will be sold in the live auction. Carmelite Sister Lucy Nguyen also sewed items such as aprons and baptismal gowns that will be for sale.

The live and silent auctions are important features of the fair, and the search for donations begins in February.

"We are just blessed with the beautiful things that come in," said Barbara Stilinovich, live auction chairwoman. "About 25 years ago we had a lot of beautiful items donated to the fair that were sold; then Sr. Mary Joseph and I decided to have live and silent auctions."

Donated items are divided between the two auctions as well as the various booths for crafts, children, religious and holiday.

The goal this year is to have 25 live auction items. Among them are a ski package, a dinner for eight with Bishop John C. Wester at his residence, featuring a Salt Lake restaurant chef; two of the nuns’ vintage and restored bicycles, and 20 hours of legal service.

For the silent auction, the committee of Mary Solak, chairwoman; Carol Ernst and Paula Peterson combined their experience from running the Saint Thomas More Parish silent auction to create themed baskets from the donated merchandise.

"Sometimes we go shopping to fill in with other merchandise," said Solak. "Other times we see things that we think will go together or, ‘this item makes no sense,’ so it gets placed in a box with others that don’t make sense. Later we get driven by the merchandise in the box. We also get donations from businesses and merchants that we incorporate into the baskets."

Assembling the baskets takes place in four rooms adjoining the monastery: the collection room, where items are selected; the assembly room; the wrapping and ribbon room and the storage room before the fair.

"This is the first year we have started this early, but the silent auction will be bigger this year," said Solak. "We have been working about four days a week for about six hours a day, but we have fun."

 Donations can be dropped off at the monastery, 5174 S. Holladay Blvd., or call 801-918-3227 to schedule a pick up. The 5K will begin at 8 a.m. Sept. 15. For information, visit facebook.com/RunForTheNuns, or call 801-675-8593. Carmelite Fair hours are 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. The live auction is at 1:30 p.m.; entertainment from noon to 4 p.m.