Last year, right around the end of September, we started getting ready for the 171st East Village Fair.

It’s that time again. If you've seen the orange banner you already know.

If not, it's on Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lexington celebrates the  the fair around and about Follen Church and the Waldorf School on Massachusetts Avenue and Wilson Farms on Pleasant Street.  

Most know the first fair was organized in 1839 by East Lexington women trying to raise money to build a church. They were successful, but even after it was built the tradition continued.

As always, there’s food, fun and lots of festivities – and Patch will have more as we get a little closer. There are also Flea Market tables, which means the organizers need donations.

Drop-off dates start Sept. 25 (Sunday at 12:30 p.m.) and ends on Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. Drop off is at Follen Church – for most items.

Furniture is being collected on Sept. 28 and 29 from 6-8 p.m. and those items go directly to the tent.

There are donation guidelines and organizers are asking you screen your give-a-ways before donating. Space is limited – so broken, torn or beaten items can stay home. 

There following items that are absolutely not accepted: clothing, computers/monitors, computer accessories, broken furniture or equipment, couches, mattresses, and other upholstered furniture, wooden crutches, knives, TV’s or floor-mount exercise equipment.