Ye Fancie Fayre

Early Show
Early Show

An innovation on agricultural shows grounds, which was to be found at the inaugural Beaudesert Show in 1889, was the inclusion of a bazaar for the sale of fancy items. 

A ‘rough tarpaulin and bough’ structure was erected for the purpose of selling articles in aid of the Church of England, Beaudesert. 

The signs outside the building read: Ye Fancie Fayre, and All Goode Folk Free

It was noted in the newspapers of the time, that the invitation for free entry apparently drew a great response form the show attendees, with the building being crowded all day.

The crowds entering the structure meant that the young ladies serving behind the stalls did great business, and no doubt were very weary by the end of a very hot day. 

The items for sale were described and ‘numerous and good’.  

This effort was particularly noteworthy as the Church of England in Beaudesert was in its infancy, with the first St Thomas’ Church being only opened in 1888. 

It must also be noted that the show took place in October, and the heat inside the stall, under the tarpaulins, was described as excessive.

This would have been made worse by the crowds who entered. Undoubtedly, this heat added to the patronage of the ‘teetotal bar’ in the structure, which did a ‘roaring trade’ all day. 

Although the financial results of this innovation in shows are not known, there is no doubt that the Church of England funds would have been boosted by the day. 

It says a lot for the enterprise of the early people of Beaudesert that they not only thought of having the bazaar but for the show committed to include it in their plans for the day.

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