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

It does not get more Americana than a small town fair; local vendors come out their sell merchandise, summer foods like hot dogs and hamburgers get served and people have a chance to interact with those may never have a chance to. On Saturday, Benicia will host the Peddlers’ Fair, one of the city’s longest running continual events.
“The purpose of the fair is to provide revenue for the preservation of the historic building there on First and J Street,” Julie MacKenzie, the 2017 Benicia Peddler’s’ Fair Committee chairwoman, said.
The Peddler’s Fair begins at 8 a.m. and goes until 5 p.m. in downtown Benicia. At the fair this year, attendees can participate in a multitude of activities. Attendees can either sell items they may want to get rid of or search for a bargain on objects that may become a valuable treasure to them There will be a jazz concert that goes on from 2 to 4 p.m. in the church with two jazz bands from the Greater Vallejo Recreation District performing.
Foodies can also rejoice. There will be several food vendors at the fair offering dishes based on cuisines from India, South America, Mexico and Greece. For those who desire something sweeter to eat, there will be baked goods, ice cream, snow cones and the ever popular kettle corn to purchase.
“While we encourage our shoppers to take time to visit our First Street restaurants and
merchants, we do offer our visitors a wide variety of food and beverages available from our many food vendors,” MacKenzie said
The first Peddlers’ Fair was held in 1963, and it was organized by Rev. Charles Eldon Davis, director of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, with the help of several parishioners and local antique collectible dealers. Since being held on Aug. 12, 1963, the Peddlers’ Fair has been held on the second Saturday in August every year. This year marks the 55th year the Peddlers’ Fair will be held in Benicia.
“I think of the fact that we are able to maintain these buildings and the grounds around them in the way we have is a gift to both St. Paul’s and the city of Benicia,” MacKenzie said. ” I think when visitors come to Benicia for the first time, one of the first things they are going to see is the beautiful buildings and I think it’s important for all of us and future generations that buildings such as St. Paul’s Episcopal Church are maintained and preserved. We are hopeful that we will be able to continue the Peddlers’ Fair for many years to come.”
Admission to the event is free. For more information, visit BeniciaPeddlersFair.org.

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