Check out the 45th annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair at Durfee High School Dec. 4 and 5
FALL RIVER — The 45th Annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair will be held at Durfee High School on Dec. 4 and 5. The two-day event, sponsored by the Fall River Scholarship Foundation, will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. There is no admission charge and plenty of free parking.
“We’re back!” James Rogers, founder and director of the Fair, announced today. “We will follow the recommendations put forth by the Massachusetts Health Department concerning large indoor gatherings during this Covid time. Aisles are wider as are the spaces around the entrances to the Field House. The number of crafters has been reduced to 154. This will allow for better traffic flow and circulation of air throughout the facility. Unfortunately, we will not be selling any food or drink this year.”
Although the number of crafters has been lowered, there will be many of the finest crafters from throughout New England at the Fair. Rogers noted the purpose of the Fair is to give area craftsmen a showcase setting where they can display and sell their handmade work.
Over 90 repeat crafters will show their handmade items. These include Joan Bergeron of Rhode Island who creates nautical glass lamps, Brad Carter from Maine with his fresh balsam wreathes, Alex Strokanov from Vermont, maker of Russian style Santa Dolls and nonagenarian, Doris Forcier of Fall River who shows her perfectly made ceramic Christmas trees.
There will be 20 classes of crafts at the fair held in the Luke Urban Field House. They range from hand-thrown pottery, carved wooden items, painted glass to floral arrangements, Native American crafts and hand-made clothes. Most of the items are one of kind items as they are handmade by the crafters.
The Christmas Crafts Fair has grown into the largest event of its kind in southern New England. Last year, due to the pandemic, the Fair was virtual on-line. This year, we are thrilled to be back at the high school. While over 8,000 people attended in 2019,, this year’s turnout will increase due to the high quality of the items on display.
Over fifty volunteers including members of the Durfee National Honors Society and the Durfee Orchestra have agreed to assist during the two-day event. Volunteers are welcomed to join in this holiday tradition by calling Rogers at 508 673-1118 or by email, jimanddee@comcast.net.
Proceeds from the Fair will be awarded in the form of scholarships to Fall River students next June.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair
