The 139th annual St. Ambrose Spring Fair will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 3, 2022 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church and grounds, 6070 Church Road, in Elkton, from State Road 207. This is St. Johns County’s oldest fair!
HISTORY: Catholic Mass was first celebrated with settlers in a barn on this site in the early 1800s. In 1875, St. Ambrose Parish was established when a small wood frame church was built by Father Stephen Langlade, a skilled carpenter from France. By 1907 he had also built a rectory, school, convent, and a larger church.
This annual event has been on hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The last event held at this location was the St. Ambrose Fall Fair in October 2019.
The most popular item at the fair is the Minorcan clam chowder, prepared by Mary Ellen Masters and her chowder crew, which features the famous Datil pepper and a recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation. More than 160 gallons are made for each fair in the spring and in the fall — and it all sells out every time!
The infamous Minorcan Clam Chowder at the St. Ambrose Fall Fair.
Hay rides, antique cars by the St. Augustine Cruisers, children’s games, tours of the historic church, a bake sale, a yard sale, a 50/50 drawing, and silent auction also are part of the event.
NEW THIS YEAR: Local band Chillula will be on stage, taking the place of The Red River Band.
Other menu items include pulled pork, pulled pork tacos, corndogs, French fries, hot dogs and hamburgers, homemade desserts, ice cream, soda, water, and beer. An ATM will be on site. Admission is FREE.
