Peach Shortcake? Yes, And So Much More At Old Time Country Fair And Auction

When my friend Georgeanne invited me to the North Guilford Country Fair and Auction, I was sure I wanted to go. 

Still, there was one thing I wasn't sure about. Peach shortcake is a big deal at this fair. Peach Shortcake? I'm a strawberry shortcake lover from way back. It's one of my most favorite things to eat. If I'm ever convicted on capital felony charges and given the death penalty, strawberry shortcake will be my last meal. 

So I just wasn't sure how it would go with ... peaches. I invited my down-the-street neighbor Debra and we headed out Saturday around noon, taking a slow drive from the south end of Madison up through the meandering, wooded, peaceful roads toward North Guilford. 

The fair and auction was crowded, charming, and relaxing. After spending some time with Georgeanne and her family, who live in North Madison, we stopped by the auction tent, where bidders were competing for a unicycle. Little Toot, the train, passed by us, ferrying youngsters around a petting zoo. There was a quilt raffle, which Debra entered. With the cadence of the auctioneer's chant as background music, we strolled around the grounds of North Guilford Congregational Church UCC. 

Georgeanne, who had promised I would love the peach shortcake, pointed us toward the church hall, where sandwiches, salads, and the shortcake were being served. 

Debra and I got a couple of sandwiches, chicken salad for me and egg salad for her, and one huge peach shortcake to share. It was so big we would only need one for two of us. The hall was packed, so we asked two women if we could sit with them. The two women, Pat and Carol, agreed cheerfully. Then they saw our tray, with the one serving of peach shortcake for two people. 

"You're going to want another one of those," said Pat. 

"We probably could have split one," said Carol. 

"I don't think so," said Pat. 

Debra and I assured them one was enough as we ate our sandwiches. They were delicious in the way that simple ingredients always are when combined with love and care. I took a bite of the peach shortcake, which had a heap of freshly made whipped cream on top. Debra took a bite.

"I'll go get another one," Debra said quickly. 

I'm guessing that's because she saw that look in my eye that said, "go get another one." We've been neighbors long enough for her to pick up on that look pretty quickly. 

The base of this particularly delightful dessert is a nutmeg-studded drop biscuit that is sprinkled with cinnamon before being baked to a gentle brown hue. We can thank the baking team for these. That team includes Libby VanDerMaelen, Barbara DiNoia, Morgan DiNoia, and Melissa Montesano.

The peaches? From Bishop's Orchards in Guilford, of course. Peeled and sliced and sprinkled with just a bit of sugar that brings all the juices out. The peach peeling and prep team includes Susan Brockspier, Ferna Hubbard, And Christina Roberts.

These women helped serve the desserts as well, with several others helping in the kitchen of the church, including Joan Morrow. 

How good are these desserts? Last year they sold out. All 319 servings. This year they were on pace to do the same. 

I didn't get the names of the women who made the sandwiches, but I wish I did because I would like to thank them too for a really good meal. Maybe it was because we were so relaxed, and surrounded by others who were relaxed and having fun on a beautiful late summer day also enjoying a meal, but it's been a long time since I've had a chicken salad sandwich that good. 

Brava, ladies, all of you!

On our way out we ran into Pat and Carol again. By that time, they had picked up some American Girls merchandise and a hooded towel at White Elephant sale. I was carrying my purchases that included couple of aprons, napkins, and place mats, along with a history of the North Guilford Congregational Church, UCC, founded in 1720. 

As we walked by St. John's Episcopal Church, right next door to the congregational church on Ledge Hill Road, volunteers were setting up for a chicken barbecue planned for later that evening. We all commented on how great it smelled already, and then bid each other goodbye. 

They didn't say "I told you so!" Even though they did. And they were right.  

Missed it? Too bad, you're going to have to wait until next year. But if you are so inclined, you are welcome to attend a worship service Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. It will be an Old Time Tent Worship Service on the church grounds at 159 Ledge Hill Road, in North Guilford. Everyone is welcome on Sunday, August 18 at 9:30 a.m., and every Sunday.