New Street welcomes community back to Spring Fling

Volunteers at New Street United Methodist Church’s Spring Fling worked throughout the building on Saturday. Pictured in the book section are, from left, Sara Lueck, Andy White, Tom White and Pastor DeeAnn Dixon. Toni Milbourne
SHEPHERDSTOWN — The members of New Street United Methodist Church took an additional step toward normalcy by hosting a Spring Fling on Saturday. The event, normally held every other year, consists of an open sale of goods of all kinds as well as lunch, plants and more.
Although the Spring Fling was scheduled for 2020, it had to be canceled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“We have also scheduled a Mother/Daughter Tea event,” said Pastor DeeAnn Dixon. “We hope to make that the event that alternates with the Spring Fling.”
At Saturday’s event, attendees were required to wear masks when entering the church. Once inside, they could peruse items that were organized in various locations within the building. Those seeking furniture found a room filled with items, while across the hall in the sanctuary, book lovers and lovers of art could peruse and choose from a variety of items.
Baked goods were displayed inside the entryway, while the sidewalk leading up to the church entrance had plants of all sorts available for those with a green thumb.
Parishioner Andy White, who was helping to man the book and art offerings, said the items for the event were mainly solicited via word-of-mouth.
“Collecting items is really an all-year process,” Dixon said.
According to Dixon, approximately 20 volunteers were onsite Saturday, to assist customers.
“There is a lot of prep work behind the scenes,” Dixon said, mentioning many more than those who were on-hand Saturday helped make the event a success.
According to Dixon, funds raised from the event will go toward renovating the church’s kitchen and social hall.
“We do so many events there,” Dixon said, adding that the church regularly holds spaghetti dinners there, along with its annual Peach Festival, which sees the kitchen area used extensively.
“We want to update the area and make the space useable in the best way possible,” Dixon said.
Members of the church have been meeting regularly in person for Sunday services, Dixon said, adding that the Spring Fling is the first event that has been held indoors since the pandemic.
“We were able to have our Peach Festival last year,” Dixon said, but added that it was held outdoors rather than inside.
Dixon went on to note that while the church’s services are offered in-person, there is also an online option available for those not yet ready to return.
“We will continue the online presence,” Dixon said. “It has definitely increased our attendance.”