March 7, 2026 – Swampscott Tides
When Heidi Whear and Debbie Nutter were younger, their father, Warren Sawyer, would go above and beyond for the Swampscott First Church’s International Food Fair, the sister remember.
Sawyer founded the event, which helps raise money for the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity, over four decades ago.
After Sawyer passed away in 2024, Whear and Nutter were sharing a glass of wine, reminiscing about their father when they had an idea. The International Food Fair hadn’t happened since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sisters decided it was time for that pause to end.
The 38th annual International Food Fair was held on Saturday, March 7. Members of the public strolled into the church to find a very wide variety of options to eat, from Venezuelan arepas to Chinese egg rolls and fried rice.
Along with plenty of eating, attendees shared conversation and placed bids on over 50 items and experiences that were up for auction, with all money going towards Habitat for Humanity – 50% for the Essex County branch and the other 50% internationally.
“I think it’s the right time of year for this,” said Whear. “There’s not a whole lot to do outside. People love to try food from all over the place, but most of all they want to support Habitats for Humanity.”
Whear estimated that the event has raised over $1 million throughout the years.
“Everybody comes at it in a different way,” Whear said of church members and other participants setting up and decorating tables. “It’s really nice that the community is stepping up and coming out.”
Attendees purchased food tickets that could be used at any table. They were able to sample pulled pork, German pretzels, rice pudding, Tuscan bean soup, Polish cookies and a variety of other international options.
Whear said she enjoys seeing people she hasn’t seen in a while and feeling the sense of community.
“It’s awesome that it’s something people still really want to come to,” said Nutter.
A judge, who was from the Swampscott Tides this year, walked around trying different foods and examining tables before voting on winners.
A group of Habitat for Humanity homeowners won the award for best food after serving up pastelitos, chicken, fried rice and egg rolls. The award for best table decor went to the Portuguese table, led by First Church member Siobhan McDonald.
“I love that it’s not just our church here,” said McDonald. “There are many faith groups here and it’s a great way for us to connect.”
Brenda Murphy, a development officer for Essex County Habitat for Humanity, said the event was a fantastic way to support the nonprofit’s efforts.
“All of these wonderful foods and people coming together to bring a taste from their communities,” Murphy said.