All are welcome to one of West Philadelphia’s oldest community traditions – the Spruce Hill May Fair in Clark Park. It will take place on Saturday, May 11, 12-6 p.m. at 43rd and Chester.

As always, this free, family-friendly frolic features live entertainment, food trucks, children’s games (including the wildly popular petting zoo) and scores of vendors and community service information tables.

The event is organized by the Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA), which is inviting community groups and vendors to take part in the fair. Space is limited and priority will be given to local community organizations and artisans. SHCA will provide a 6-foot table, table covering and chair in a 10-foot space. Vendor fees are set affordably low: $40 or less for the day. No second-hand goods, commercial products or food table sales, please. If you have a truck/cart, please contact Evan Johnstone (evanjay@gmail.com). Prospective vendors should request a table online by Sunday, May 7. Follow this link.

The organizers will work around any threatening showers if at all possible and hold the event as planned. However, in the event of significant rain, SHCA may have to cancel the event on that morning. If you have questions, please email Monica Calkins, Spruce Hill Community Association, mcalkins@upenn.edu.

– Tony West

The 63rd Annual Spruce Hill May Fair is taking place virtually this year due to COVID restrictions. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun! The Spruce Hill Community Association volunteers have built a simulation of Clark Park (where the physical event usually takes place), which you can check out right away on GatherSpace. The real-time interactive portion of the event will take place on Saturday, May 8, 4-8 p.m. when you can chat, play and shop with your neighbors!

A large number of neighborhood artisans, vendors, and organizations have signed up to participate in the Virtual Fair, and new family friendly games and other features are being added every day. Continue Reading

The annual Spruce Hill May Fair was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, but this year the organizers, Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA), are bringing back the popular community event. The May Fair will be held virtually on Saturday, May 8, 4-8 p.m.

Local vendors, artists and craftspeople are invited to participate in the event free of charge. Community groups and organizations seeking to do outreach are also invited to be part of this event. Space is limited and priority will be given to local community organizations and artisans. Continue Reading

The 61st Annual Spruce Hill May Fair will be held at Clark Park on Saturday, May 11th from noon to 6 p.m. (rain date is Sunday, May 12). The event is the primary fundraiser for the Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA). Proceeds go to support local schools and other organizations and sponsor popular neighborhood activities.

This year’s May Fair will feature the following events and activities:

• Over 50 local vendors offering a wide range of arts and crafts and other unique products, including many gift ideas for Mother’s Day. Others will have information about local groups and causes seeking public support.
• Exciting musical line-up with Dan Blacksburg and the Haimishers and special guests Compas 48.
• The University City Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale.
• Food for every taste will be provided by some wonderful food vendors.
• For the kids, there will be a petting zoo, a bounce house and 40-foot-long inflatable obstacle course, and professional face-painting.
• $1 raffle will feature great prizes donated by local merchants.

Continue Reading

One of the most popular local shopping events of the year is returning this summer. University City District (UCD) has announced that Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, where guests can enjoy $1 specials from dozens of neighborhood businesses – from food and drinks to merchandise and theatre tickets – will be held twice this year: on June 7th and September 13th. The event draws thousands of visitors each year and also includes live music and entertainment.

This year, the organizers want to make sure that all food vendors participating in this event are in compliance with Philadelphia Health Department codes and public safety regulations. Currently, UCD is accepting applications from temporary community food vendors to participate in this event as official participants. Selected vendors will be included on maps and marketing materials for the event.  Continue Reading

The annual Spruce Hill May Fair will be held on Saturday, May 13 at Clark Park and, as always, will feature tons of fun activities for children, live music performances, unique handmade items for sale by local artists and craftspeople, food from some of the top vendor trucks, book and plant sales, and the usual raffle with great prizes from local merchants.

The May Fair is also an opportunity for West Philly groups looking to do community outreach to interact with the public. Currently, the Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA) has vendor tables available for local non-profits, artists and crafters.  Continue Reading