Christmas fair at St. John & St. Mary Parish Hall featuring homemade gifts and decorations

By Ann Marie Fallon
November 23, 2007

Since the beginning of October, every Monday and Tuesday has been like Santa’s workshop at the parish hall.


The Women’s Association of St. John & St. Mary hosts its annual Christmas fair on Saturday, December 1 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Parish Hall on Poillon Street. The fair has been a Christmas tradition at the parish for over twenty years, with the proceeds benefiting activities of the parish. The winning tickets for the children’s and the adult’s raffle will be drawn at 2 p.m. The prizes in the children’s raffle include an American Girl Doll and outfit and a Magnetix Building Sets basket. Adult raffle prizes include wine and chocolate, an Italian kitchen basket and other theme baskets. Raffle tickets may be obtained in the vestibule of the church during the week between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and before and after Masses on Sunday, and in the parish hall on the day of the fair. Winners do not have to be present at the drawing.

Santa’s workshop at Parish Hall

Since the beginning of October, every Monday and Tuesday has been like Santa’s workshop at the parish hall. With Christmas music in the background, the clever, crafty women of the parish have come together to create beautiful Christmas items in preparation for the fair. Judy Houlihan, the chair of the Christmas Fair Committee boasts, “We use no vendors. Most items such as wreaths, trees, swags, garland, door hanging and silk flower arrangements are designed, hand crafted and embellished by our talented group of women.”  The fair will also offer live wreaths, roping and poinsettias.

Houlihan reminds parents that the fair is a wonderland for children. While parents shop and check off items from their lists, children can enjoy the craft corner designed especially for them. And if they have been good little boys and girls, perhaps they would like to say hello to a very special guest who will be happy to pose for pictures with them.

All that shopping and playing may produce hunger pains. For sustenance, the café will be open the same hours as the fair with an assortment of hot and cold items, including homemade soups and breads. Speaking of food, the Parish’s famous gourmet table will be well stocked with amazing homemade chocolate treats, including chocolate sleighs, cakes, pies and cookies to take home and enjoy.

The Women’s Association invites all to come and to get into the spirit of Christmas.

           

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