GOOD OLD DAYS:’A special type of camaraderie’

Since she retired from her 17-year position as principal of Costa Mesa’s Prince of Peace Elementary School several years ago, Jean Barraclough retains a festive reminder of the private Christian school’s Country Day Fair, a 30-year tradition in the Mesa Verde community.

Each December, Barraclough carefully and joyfully assembles the 7-foot-tall Christmas tree she won for $13 during the fair’s silent auction three decades ago, and come springtime, Barraclough is still a fairly regular attendee of the annual event, coming up on March 31.

“It’s a wonderful event that includes the community and builds a special type of camaraderie,” she said. “Everyone is invited and encouraged to come, both old and young alike.”

Looking for a way to raise money that didn’t involve door-to-door candy sales, the school’s administration and Parent Teacher Fellowship established the fair in the mid to late ‘70s, offering baked goods, handicrafts and a sampling of international foods.

Throughout the years, organizers have added carnival rides, a bounce house and game booths, using all the event’s proceeds to pay for computers, new desks, playground equipment and other items.

This year, the fair’s proceeds will go toward adding shade covers and rubberized padding to the school’s playgrounds.

“In addition to providing a connection between Prince of Peace and the community and raising funds to upgrade things at the school, this event continues to exist because it’s just a lot of fun,” said Mark Rogers, the church’s pastor.

For Costa Mesa residents Ron and JoAn Barnett, the fair has become a regular pastime. Since both their children graduated from Prince of Peace, they continue to attend with one grandchild still enrolled at the school.

“It’s just a fun thing to sit out, eat and chat, and we get to see some of our old friends that had their kids in school there,” JoAn Barnett said.

IF YOU GOCountry Day Fair

WHAT:

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 31

WHERE: Prince of Peace Church and School, 2987 E. Mesa Verde Drive, Costa Mesa

COST: Admission is free, and vouchers for food and rides are available for a minimal fee.

INFO: (714) 549-0562