The Peddlers’ Fair, held since 1963, attracts thousands of people from across the Bay Area each year. (File photo)

It is that time of year again. Time to head down to First Street this Saturday to buy unique items while supporting a Benicia institution.

The Peddlers’ Fair returns to Benicia for its 54th year. It was first organized by parishioners of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in 1963 and began with First Street antique shops setting up tables with items outside the church, Chairwoman Julie MacKenzie said.

“The purpose of the First Street fair was to raise funds for St. Paul’s church and the preservation of the building because the church was small and the buildings were old,” she said.

The event did well enough that it began to be held every year. Eventually, the fair blossomed into an event that has attracted thousands of people each year, many of whom traveled from outside Benicia. It is one of the longest continually running traditions in Benicia.

“At one time, we had over 400 booths which ran from J Street down to the water and onto some of the side streets at its peak,” MacKenzie said.

The fair will feature not only antiques and collectibles but anything else people are willing to sell. Vendors will be peddling food, plants, books, jewelry and more. MacKenzie also said musicians such as South American flautists and mandolin players can be seen in booths performing and selling their music.

Also, returning this year will be Kids’ Corner, where children will be allowed to have fun painting and woodworking. This attraction will be set up by the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park and was largely funded by Valero Benicia Refinery. Other financial supporters of the event include the Benicia Fire Department and Benicia Police Department.

New this year will be a free jazz concert performed by two jazz bands from the Greater Vallejo Recreation District from 2 to 4 p.m. inside the church. Donations are welcome.

The proceeds from the event largely go toward the St. Paul’s Historic Trust, which raises money to preserve the church. There will also be docent-led tours of the facility, which was built in the 19th century and designated as a California historical landmark in 1973. Additionally, MacKenzie said, since the ‘80s, the fair about 10 percent of the proceeds go back to the community.

“Our contributions have been well over $100,000 in that time,” she said.

The fair remains popular every year, drawing between 25,000 and 35,000 visitors.

“We’re bringing thousands of people to our little town of Benicia who had either never heard of Benicia or would have never come because it is not along either the I-80 corridor or 680 corridor,” MacKenzie said. “You have to work to get to Benicia.”

MacKenzie hopes people will come to the event, which would provide an old-fashioned street fair with a wide variety of vendors and prices.

“You might find something of interest, or you might find something you’d want to take to the ‘Antiques Roadshow,’” she said. “Any money spent at the fair is not going into someone’s pocket. It’s going solely for the preservation of historic buildings, which contribute to the ambiance of Benicia. Any money spent, people can feel good about it.”

The Peddlers’ Fair will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday. Aug. 13 along First Street. Admission is free. For more information, visit BeniciaPeddlersFair.org.

Sharing is caring!