The 50th annual Dundalk Heritage Fair, an event steeped in local tradition and community spirit, was on the brink of being scrapped due to a budget shortfall of approximately $45,000, as Mark Krysiak, the vice president and executive director of the Heritage Association of Greater Dundalk, Inc., explained. However, the community's response to a cancellation notice was swift and substantiated with generosity, with over $130,000 being raised to ensure the fair's continuation, according to details from WMAR-2 News.
Following the cancellation announcement, the Dundalk community, comprising not only businesses but also individuals, demonstrated its commitment to preserving a cherished annual tradition. Krysiak noted that the townspeople donated money and volunteered in various capacities, including electrical and construction crews, to keep the fair afloat. This display of solidarity culminated in the fair opening on schedule, with attendees like Melinda Dejesus-Folk, a longtime Dundalk resident, cherishing the tradition and striving to support it. James Truszkowski, a fellow Dundalk local and high school alumni, also highlighted the fair's significance as a hub for community and nostalgic recall, having personally marked 45 years of attendance.
The event, which dates back to 1976, kicked off yesterday and will run through tomorrow, featuring a wide array of attractions, from live entertainment to local culinary delights. The fair, which has been a staple for both young and old in Dundalk, includes vendors and an assortment of rides, enriching the communal fabric with joy and collective experience. Eric Davis, president of the Heritage Association, drew attention to the intergenerational aspect of the fair in an interview with CBS News Baltimore, expressing pride in continuing the legacy with his family, including his 11-year-old step-daughter, who joined her peers in reveling in the fair's festivities.
The fair organizers are still welcoming volunteers to contribute to the event's success. Interested parties can contact Michelle Gielner, the association's volunteer coordinator, via email at [email protected].
