Annual Carmelite Fair receives a large turnout despite the rain that fell most of the day

Friday, Sep. 26, 2014

HOLLADAY — The 2014 Carmelite Fair began with the rain and the annual “Run for the Nuns” 5K at the Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Monastery Sept. 21.

“The run is the most fun of the whole thing,” said Glenda Sadde, race coordinator. “The runners didn’t care because it was raining; they said it kept them cooler. One man was pushing a stroller with two kids.”

The race began at the bus stop down the street from the monastery and finished at the gate in front of the monastery; prizes were given in eight categories.

People entering the path to the monastery for the fair were met with the aromas of coffee, cotton candy and burgers on the grill, as well as a Knights of Columbus produce stand and an odds and ends booth. The crowd, some of whom were armed with umbrellas for the expected rain, didn’t seem to mind as they shopped, socialized, ate a variety of food, bought  items and bid on silent auction prizes. 

“God would never rain out the Carmelite sisters,” said John Wainscott, repeating what he heard Monsignor Robert Servatius tell Blessed Sacrament parishioners at a Mass earlier that day as he encouraged them to attend the fair. 

“The Carmelite nuns were praying for good weather, but God blessed us with pouring rain,” said Carmelite Sister Therese Bui, a spokesperson for the monastery. “But we nuns see that as God’s will, too. There have been at least 30 calls from people asking if we were still having the fair, and when we said yes, they said they would come; and the volunteers are still willing to work in the rain. We are so touched by the way God takes care of us through the love and support of the people around us. The sisters express their deep gratitude to God through the generosity of the people; we are praying for them all.” 

The rain began to pour during the live auction while Bill Brown, auctioneer and Brian Mullahy, announcer, were encouraging people to bid higher. “It was fun and I hope we raised a lot of money,” said Brown. “I try every year, but with the rain it was a challenge. There were some good buys and some exceptional buys and that makes me feel bad; I wanted [the bids higher] to raise lots of money for the nuns.” 

It finally stopped raining as the entertainment resumed following the auction with the Utah Pipe Band. 

“I get chills when I hear them,” said Chris Carlisle, who lives in the neighborhood and enjoys attending the annual event. 

The Utah Pipe Band began performing at the Carmelite Fair in 1976, said John Barclay, a Utah Pipe Band leader, adding that they haven’t missed a year since then. “We love supporting the sisters,” he said. 

The OPA Greek Dancers also performed dances from various Greek islands that tell stories “of our ancestors to share our culture,” said Cyndia Cayias, Greek Orthodox Church dance instructor. 

As the fair came to a close, Coach James Cordova and the Judge Memorial Catholic High School football team members volunteered to help clean up. 

“We’ve been helping to clean up for 12 years,” said Cordova, adding that the boys “love it. They come out and people cheer for Judge football and pat them on the back. Then they leave here feeling like they contributed in a positive way. This is a way to rally our Catholic community and help each other out.” 

Roy Roger’s song “Happy Trails To You,” played over the loud speaker as volunteers cleaned up and people paid for their auction items and another Carmelite Fair faded into history.