We did it again! Harvest Day 2007, was held on November 4, and was eagerly anticipated by parishioners and members of the Tunapuna and environs community. The event is the only major fund-raising activity put on by St Charles parish each year.

From as early as 5.30 a.m. the churchyard was abuzz with activity with stall members, busily preparing their various wares for the day’s event. The day promised lots of fun and entertainment for everyone -in every age group, of every fancy.

The event was officially ushered in at 9.30 a.m., with the blessing of the stalls by parish priest Fr Hezekiah.  Immediately following the blessing, parishioners leaving the morning’s service began to visit the booths and stalls.  The breakfast stall was flocked with hungry church- goers tempted by the smell of salt-fish and bake and other breakfast items.

Fr Hezekiah blesses the stalls

Stalls did a brisk trade during the day

The usual favourites were present, the ever-popular “Sweets” stall, well decked and colour co-ordinated in pink showcased all manner of local confections.

Cakes, sweet-bread and various pastries and baked “goodies” were well sought after at the cake stall.

The avid reader was surely lured by the excellent deals on books at the book stall. Those searching for new plants to decorate their homes, for the upcoming Christmas season, found just what they needed at the plant stall.

The children were well catered to as they “Fed Santa”, bounced in the castle, picked lollipops and dunked well into the afternoon.  Bran Tub was a favourite with the children and adults as well, as were the Hoopla, Mini Golf, Games, Punch Board, Cherry Tree, Bottle and Flea Market stalls, which also did their fair share of trade for the day.

By 11 o’clock the churchyard was full of regular as well as new harvest-goers enjoying the brilliant sunshine, the fun, family and friendship offered by the St Charles family. 

Harvest patrons were well fed with the traditional “Trini’ Sunday lunch of callaloo, macaroni- pie, peas, rice and chicken that was available at the lunch stall and the bar was kept busy providing drinks for the thirsty. Our favourite Indian delicacies were also on sale.

There was also a stall for the health conscious as Guardian Life of the Caribbean offered health consultation and tests. The highlight of the harvest, year after year seems to belong to the “Pick A Number” stall, where patrons boast that they secure money specifically to be spent on that game. One patron happily spent as much as $700.00 and vowed to return next year!

The day was indeed fun-filled and quite a success, and we want to thank all who worked feverishly behind and in front of the scenes for weeks and those who came, shared and participated to help us achieve and even surpass our goal as a parish. Do mark harvest day 2008 on your calendar and be sure to come again!