Thousands of local Catholics and community members gathered at the monastery in Holladay on Sept. 20 for the annual Carmelite Fair. The event, which has been held every year since 1952 except during the pandemic, provides an opportunity for the community to support the nuns who pray for priests and the salvation of souls.
Fair-goers browsed booths featuring jams, jellies, and chocolates made by the nuns, as well as baked goods, books, religious items, and handmade crafts produced by the Carmelite community and its supporters. The monastery grounds also included a produce stand and a general store hosted by the Knights of Columbus, along with a children's area featuring games, bouncy houses, slides, and a duck pond.
Live entertainment included jazz performances, a debut appearance by the Chesterton Academy high school choir, and traditional dances by the Greek Orthodox Youth of America dancers. The Utah Pipe Band performed at the fair for its 50th consecutive year. The day began with a fundraising 5K run.
The event featured a silent auction with hundreds of gift baskets and a 24-item live auction led by professional auctioneer and KUTV news anchor Brian Mullahy. The Knights of Columbus conducted an annual prize drawing, awarding a new car to Kevin of Salt Lake City, an iPad Pro to Albert of West Jordan, a Traisser Grill to Nancy of Bountiful, and $300 in cash to Christine of Murray.
The Carmelite nuns offered thanks and prayers to the supporters following the large turnout.
