When approached by our settle pastor Randy Dales for Bob and me to take on a two-year commitment to help by taking on what seemed at the time like a daunting task I put my response on pause while mulling over the repercussions.  Actually, my main concern was that in the summers I worked and thought that in having two sizable responsibilities my effectiveness would be diluted.  We told Randy that we would pitch in and try to do an admirable job.  My willingness to say yes rested heavily on the fact that Bob Parker is an honor bound dutiful efficient responsible kind of person who would take up the slack in fulfilling the obligations that go hand in hand with corralling the forces, cranking the machinery, and taking care of the incoming and outgoing offerings of donations.  That is truly what happened.  Bob lifted the yolk and bore most of the weight as the responsibilities received a check of completion.

If I don't reveal what I am about to tell you then you will not have the full story.  During our first year, Tom and Donna Cote were the actual chairs if the fair, while Bob and I were listed as the co-chairs.  Our role was that of apprentices.  It is rather doubtful that we could have had a better set of mentors, for they both were exemplary in fulfilling all of the responsibilities with full on commitment, diplomacy, and a large dose of levity.  Without witnessing the contribution from Tom and Donna our work as the full out chairs the following year would surely have faltered. 

It is a glorious phenomenon, we heard it from the mouths of many parishioners that the fair runs itself.  Okay, it is not a legend!  There are enough people around who set aside a portion of the spring and summer and gear up for tackling a set of chores that keep the motion of sorting, evaluating, pricing, lifting, making runs to the dump, and setting up, selling, cooking, counting the cash, and closing up that all things come together in an uplifting way.  Thanks to all the hands, hearts, and spirits the fair works because of the selfless dedication demonstrated over the years.  To realize this to see the full picture is a precious by-product of making the commitment to being a fair-chair.  If you haven't tried this spiritual superfood I do recommend it.