Get ready to shop at Goshen's craft fairs
BY GERI COREY
GOSHEN — The nip in the air tells us that fall is here, winter is fast approaching, and it’s time for the annual craft fairs in Goshen.
Saturday, Nov. 23 is an exciting shopping day in the village to prepare for the holiday season that always comes quicker than anticipated.
“We’re offering great craft items—most of them unique and homemade,” said Lori Turner, chairperson of the “Deacons Annual Craft Fair” at the First Presbyterian Church. “It’s a great time to get started on holiday gift buying.”
Malinda Niper, organizer for the St. James Christmas Fair, agrees.
“With our attic treasures room, the used toy room, Cathedral Shop for religious items, our specialty boutique items, personalized ornaments and baked goods, there’s something for everyone,” she explained, adding, “Don’t forget, Santa will be there, too.”
Crafts available at the First Presbyterian Church include woodcrafts, knit and crocheted items, matted and framed photography, jewelry, doll clothes, sea-glass jewelry, metal crafts, chocolates, handmade greeting cards, and much more.
The Presbyterian Women’s Association is offering a tasty variety of baked goods like pies, breads, cookies, muffins and cup cakes, and in addition soup and chili—all packaged for take home.
“Everybody makes her favorite baked goods and the sale is always a hit,” said Betty Lobb, a member of the women’s group.
As part of a long-standing tradition, St. James Episcopal Church offers a hot lunch for purchase beginning at 11:30 a.m., said Niper.
“The entire fair has been a long-standing tradition in this church. The whole congregation contributes in some way, making crafts, setting up and breaking down, or bringing in attic treasures—young and old participate,” Niper commented.
Something new at this year’s St. James fair is a raffle. For the purchase of a ticket, it’s possible to win a complete turkey ready-to-prepare dinner with all the fixins’ for a family.
“All proceeds from the raffle go to the food pantry,” said Niper.
This is the sixth year for the popular “Quilts of the Congregation” show at the First Presbyterian Church sanctuary. To view the display of lovely old and new quilts, either bring a non-perishable food item or give a $1 donation for the Ecumenical Food Pantry.
The Linus Project, a program that offers handmade blankets and quilts to hospitalized seriously ill children, will have a table in the Presbyterian Fellowship Hall foyer with items to sell to benefit the Linus Project.
The St. James Christmas Fair will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 1 St. James Place, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All proceeds from the fair go to the church’s outreach and charity programs.
The Deacons Annual Craft Fair will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 33 Park Place, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Vendor space is still available. The cost is $30 for an 8 foot spot; tables are available for rental at $5 each. Contact Lori Turner at 845-200-5640 or call the church office at 845-294-7991. Breakfast is free to vendors; lunch for vendors is available for purchase.
“We’re offering wonderful Christmas gifts for giving and hostess gifts for Thanksgiving,” Turner commented, adding, “And stop at the bake sale for a treat to eat along the way.”