The 142nd annual St. Ambrose Fair will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 30, 2024 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church and grounds, 6070 Church Road, in Elkton, from State Road 207. This is St. Johns County’s oldest fair!
St. Ambrose Catholic Church celebrates 150 years in February 2025!
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.
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. The crew makes 190 gallons and it all sells out every time!
Minorcan Clam Chowder made by Mary Ellen Masters. Photo taken at the St. Ambrose Fair.
Other menu items include pulled pork dinners, French fries, hot dogs and hamburgers, cheeseburgers, boiled peanuts, homemade desserts, ice cream, soda, water, and beer. An ATM will be on site. Admission is FREE.
Also at the event: Live music by local bands Money for Nothing, hay rides, antique cars by the St. Augustine Cruisers, children’s games, tours of the historic church, a bake sale, a garage sale, a 50/50 drawing and silent auction.
Free parking on site. Arrive early to get in the chowder line.
