The Southport Fair has been going for 41 years. And it's still going strong.

The fair and and luncheon took place this year, as it has for the past 40, at the Southport United Methodist Church and across the street at the town hall, on Route 27 on July 20.

Coffee, muffins and donuts were available at the church upon arrival. Inside were antiques and collectibles, and lots of books, many of them sitting in the pews providing a perfect spot for perusing them.

In the back room was an assortment of jewelry and a table of “attic treasures,” with glassware, lamps, kitchen items, fabric, knickknacks and holiday items. No reasonable offer was refused. Included in the wares for sale was a large collection of Christmas items that were given to the church for the fair.

Across the street at the town hall throngs of people were enjoying a luncheon of lobster rolls, chicken salad rolls, hot dogs, chips, cake and a beverage. There were too many kinds of cakes to choose from — and they all looked scrumptious.

There were a lot of cookies, too. A tradition at the fair, the “Cookie Walk” allows people to fill a coffee can, lined with a plastic bag, with an assortment of cookies — all homemade — for a mere $5.

Another tradition, a silent auction, was held on the front porch of the town hall. Items up for bid included original fine and folk art by local artists, jewelry, gift certificates and baskets of goodies.

Fair organizer Deb Tukey said she was pleased with the turnout. “Last year we had around 165 people eating lobster rolls, and 210 overall.” She thought the overall attendance this year wasn't quite as high, due to road construction. She was pleased that most came for the luncheon.

A food table dubbed “Incredible Edibles” offered fudge, pies, bars, breads and cakes. “There is a lady in her 90s who still makes her pepper jelly,” Tukey said.

The fair is sponsored by the Southport United Methodist Church. “This fair allows us to keep our doors open and to reach out to community members in need of help.”

Tukey said the fair netted over $7,000 last summer. “In the old days when people were preparing for it for 12 months a year, and it was promoted in every newspaper and radio station around it brought in 2 ½ times that amount.

“Each year we say this will be the last one. It's a lot of work. But it's worth it. It's a community event — not just church members. We couldn't do it without the support of the community members who come to help out. Every year it becomes a huge community effort.”