2013 En Ka Street Fair Kicks Off Friday Night

Got a fever for more carnival rides? Then take a swing by the "Lucky 13" En Ka Street Fair on Friday and Saturday across from Winchester Town Hall in the Jenks Center parking lot.

The fair, which runs from 5-11 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, will feature 20 rides, book tents, carnival fare and a bargain box, according to an announcement from the En Ka Society. The event has been a community draw since 1935.

One Quality Quilt

Several En Ka Society members have also spent hundreds of hours creating a quilt that will be raffled off at the fair.

"Every year, for over 30 years, a group of talented and dedicated En Ka members, who give of their time and fabrics, come together to create a quilt that is raffled at the annual En Ka Fair in downtown Winchester," reads the event site. "This year’s group, led by 2013 Quilt (chairman) Bea Grayson, started in the fall of 2012 and with the help of many members, created a unique and memorable quilt, which symbolizes the 2013 En Ka Fair theme, 'Lucky 13.'

"Collectively, more than 100 hours were spent in the production of this year’s quilt. This year’s fair theme, 'Lucky 13' is interpreted in the colors used. The soothing blues and the green colors of money, along with the yellow shades of the gold at the end of a rainbow, all make for an exquisite piece of art."

Raffle tickets are $1 each (or 6 for $5) and can be purchased at the En Ka Exchange, Book Ends and the Winchester Co-Operative Bank, according to the event site. Tickets will also be for sale at the Fair, the site adds.

The quilt, which was on display from May 2-16 at Winchester Co-Operative Bank and will be on display Friday and Saturday at the fairgrounds, raffle will take place at the En Ka Fair information booth at 9 p.m. on Saturday, according to the site. All proceeds will benefit nonprofit organizations and charities the En Ka Society supports, according to the site.

Lucky Dogs

Some lucky carnival-goers will get to take a spin on the carnival rides for free, according to event organizers.

"As part of the 'Lucky 13' En Ka Street Fair we will have a drawing at each Winchester public school and at St. Mary's School," said Elizabeth Primerano, co-chairman of the event, in the announcement. "The winner from each school rides all rides free on either Friday or Saturday." 

"Also, not only will the crowd favorite ride, the Zipper, be back but there will be a second Zipper ride as well," added Ann Rocco, co-chairman of the event, in the announcement. "To add to the festivities, there will be live music from local bands and we’ve added pizza to the menu this year."

What if it Rains?

Where rain has cropped up periodically in the days leading up to the fair, inclement weather may change the fair's operation.

"If it is merely raining, rides and tent activities will carry on as best they can," reads the En Ka Society website about the fair. "If there is any amount of electrical storm activity at all, rides will be closed until it is safe to resume these activities. People on the fairgrounds should take cover during such an event.

"We will make a determination regarding the parade on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. using the local weather forecast and our own observations." 

Advance Tickets

Advance tickets can be purchased from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at the fairgrounds. The fairgrounds are located at the corner of Mount Vernon Street and Skillings Road.

Past Coverage of En Ka Street Fair

IMAGE GALLERY: 2012 En Ka Street Fair

En Ka's Annual Street Fair Returns to Down Town This Weekend

En Ka Fair Brings Winchester Together for Fun and Charity

En Ka's Annual Fair Returns to Town