Carmelite Fair returns to support the nuns

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SALT LAKE CITY — After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, the Carmelite Fair is back in full force.

This year the Carmelite nuns also are celebrating 70 years of their presence in Utah.

“With hearts full of gratitude to God we joyfully celebrate the 70th anniversary of our presence in the state of Utah and the return of our annual Carmelite Fair,” reads a letter inviting people to participate in the annual event.

Since 1952 the Carmelites at the monastery in Holladay, a group of cloistered nuns who dedicate their lives to pray for the world, have depended on the annual fair as their main source of income.

“We humbly ask for your continued support, especially this year as we face unexpected obstacles,” reads  the invitation for all to attend the fair, which will be celebrated on Sunday, Sept. 18.

In the past, thousands of people, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, have come from all over the valley to attend the fair. Festivities include a silent auction, a different live entertainment each hour, raffles, a variety of food and children’s games. The grand give away in the raffle this year is a 2022 Kia Sportage SUV AWD, donated by Jerry Seiner Kia.

Prior the fair, the 11th annual Run for the Nuns 5K run/walk will start at 8 a.m. In addition, a golf tournament to benefit the nuns will be held Saturday, Sept. 10 at Mountain Dell Canyon Gold Course.

A free shuttle bus will be available. The bus will run every 30 minutes beginning at 10:30 a.m. and will take fairgoers to the monastery from four locations, where parking will be free. For locations, visit https://www.carmelslc.org/carmelite-fair/

Mother Therese Bui, the monastery’s superior, said the nuns are hoping and praying for people’s support. “We will be most grateful for your generosity,” she said. “Please be assured of our continued prayers for you and your loved ones.”

Bishop Oscar A. Solis said that the people of God in Utah “are blessed to have the presence the Carmelite nuns who dedicate their entire life to God in prayer and contemplation, enclosed solitude and silence.”

“The nuns put their trust in the providence of God, rely on the charity of others, and the annual fair is the only major means of their sustenance,” Bishop Solis added in an invitation for people to attend the fair and support the nuns.

WHAT: Carmelite Fair 2022

WHEN: Sunday Sept. 18, beginning at 11 a.m.

WHERE: Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 5714 Holladay Blvd. Salt Lake City

Free and open to the public. For information, visit https://www.carmelslc.org/carmelite-fair/.

The Run for the Nuns-Race for Grace 5K run/walk will precede the fair, with an 8 a.m. start time. The starting/finish line will be at the monastery. For information or to register, visit www.raceentry.com/races/run-for-the-nuns/2022/register.

Another fundraiser for the nuns is the annual golf tournament, which this year will be Saturday, Sept. 10 at Mountain Dell Canyon Gold Course. For information, contact Joe Orifici, jorifici@burgoyne.com