St. George’s by the River in Rumson is the scene for Saturday’s Canterbury Fair, the annual celebration of friendship, family and summer that begins at 9 am. 

While summer doesn’t officially begin for another week, the much anticipated annual event known as Canterbury Fair is too good to wait another moment. Now in its 66th year at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Rumson, the rain-or-shine celebration of “friendship, family and summer” offers a range of activities for kids (including a petting zoo, clowns, games, face painting, and more), food (a Tea Garden with baked goods, a Grill Team purveying burgers and dogs, and a lobster salad luncheon), plus a silent auction and the “infamous White Elephant Sale” boasting “jewelry, electronics, sporting goods, gently loved children’s games and clothing, homemade gourmet treats, plants & flowers and thousands of books for all ages.” Proceeds help support a selection of locally based outreach and charitable organizations, and it all happens between the hours of 9:30 am and 2:30 pm at 33 Waterman Avenue, so arrive early for the best bargains — and call (732)842-0596 for more information.

At 2:30 pm, the day is still young — and there’s plenty of time to head over to Fair Haven, for another great local event on summer’s doorstep.

Sponsored by The Foundation of Fair Haven, the happening known as Fair Haven Day celebrates the joys of community and the season, in an all-ages, all-invited day of food, live music, rides, games, fireworks and more that takes place at Fair Haven Fields on Ridge Road. The event opens at 3 pm, with the music starting at 3:30 and continuing to the first fuse of fireworks, just after sunset (bring beach chairs and blankets to enjoy the display).

Picnic fare from Brennan’s Deli and raw bar goodies from Lusty Lobster are available for purchase from 5 pm. There’s also a BBQ available with purchase of advance ticket — and there’s still time to get tix, at Fair Haven Borough Hall, or at Coastal Decor at 803 River Road.

Check around redbankgreen for more details on Saturday doings both before and after the events in Fair Haven and Rumson — including the 21st running of the Sheehan Classic in Red Bank, and free public tours of the historic Sandy Hook Lighthouse.