Christmas Fair set for December, the show must go on!

For the past 68 years the North Coast has been able to enjoy the Christmas Fair Fund, and 2020 will be no different.

Events have been cancelled or postponed one after the other with Covid-19 having effectively brought the world to its knees, but the new normal has seen many others step up their game to keep things running. 

“We are thrilled not to break tradition,” Fund chairlady Gaby Lyle said this week.

Noting that Collisheen Estate was happy to once again host the fair, Lyle said that other than social distancing regulations which will be carried out, the only major difference would be that the fair would be held at a later date than usual.

“We normally have the fair at the end of October, but due to Covid-19 we are looking at the first week of December. Of course, this is to be confirmed but, the fair will be held over 3 days this year instead of 2.”

“Our stall holders are very excited and we cannot wait,” she said.

The Christmas Fair Fund was started by a group of farmers’ wives in 1952 who were trying to help a local clinic sister buy a car.

The clinic sister was employed to service a large area, but lacked the means of getting around.

To raise funds, the group decided to craft home-made items and bake their way toward getting the clinic sister the car she needed, which at the time cost 100 pounds. 

Through their efforts, 500 pounds were raised and, from then on, the fund continues to see to the needs of community initiatives between the Tugela River and the Tongaat River.

The fund also assisted with numerous projects during lockdown, and continues to do so.

“If we do not have this fair, come next year a lot of people will not benefit from the funds we raise,” said Lyle, who has been a member of the fund for 40 years.

The fund sees to the support of roughly 28 initiatives, all of which rely heavily on its support. This year will mark 16 successful years of holding the fair at Collisheen Estate.