Members of the Southport United Methodist Church and volunteers from the surrounding bay area gathered Wednesday, July 16 to participate in the church's annual Country Fair.

Debbie Tukey, a member of the church and co-organizer of the July 16 event, spoke to the Boothbay Register about the event that works as the largest fundraiser the church conducts every year.

She said that, although the weather was unpleasant and clouds dumped a lot of rain on the region, people still lined up for morning coffee and muffins, the jewelry and antiques sale, the cookie walk and the luncheon with live entertainment.

"We greeted people in the rain on the front porch with coffee and muffins," she said of those who made it to the church by 9 a.m.

Once inside, visitors could browse the "Precious Past," "Attic Treasures," and jewelry sections placed outside the sanctuary and in the rear of the building. Tables lined with tools, antiques, games, jewelry, silverware, appliances and many other items showed off what the church was selling to benefit both their common church fund and their outreach programs.

Tukey said the church donates much of its proceeds to groups such as the Boothbay Region Food Pantry, Boothbay Region Fuel Fund and the United Methodist Committee on Relief. It also provides aid for local residents in need and supports college-bound people with an educational scholarship.

The church proper held the antiques and treasures, which both local residents and people from surrounding areas donated. Tukey said many of the donations were items that were in new condition and were just never previously used.

Organizers used the Southport Town Hall, located next door to the church, to offer lobster rolls, chicken salad rolls and hot dogs for its luncheon. The church ordered its lobsters from Robinson's Wharf.

A member of the church who is familiar with the Carousel Music Theater invited the group to provide sing and play music from its current show, "Bye Bye Love."

"They were a real treat," Tukey said of the Music Theater group. "People really enjoyed that."

Overall, despite the constant downpour of rain throughout the day, Tukey said people showed up to support the church and help the fundraiser grow. She said the church sold 140 lobster rolls and that the attendance, though not overbearing in number, was constant.

"It's a way to bring people together," she said. "We are extremely pleased with the outcome."