Stephanie Tickner Watercolors

 

Even though the weather of late fall has felt more like September than December, it is that time of year again...the season of holiday craft fairs in New Hampshire. Churches, schools, non profit organizations and clubs work hard to bring together local crafters and artists to sell their products, and in turn, help with fundraising for the various organizations. The fairs are a wonderful way to support local crafters and artists by buying creative and unique gifts for family and friends, and to help organizations that are important in our lives.

Each year I participate in three fairs. The first, called Christmas on the Pond is in late November in the village of Marlow, where I live. Funds raised support the activities of the Women's' Fellowship of Christian Service, which works to serve those in need in Marlow. It is a wonderful event set up in the historic buildings that make up the often photographed “Marlow scene”. A highlight of the day is when a very talented Marlow teen plays Christmas songs on the old piano on the second floor of Jones Hall. It really adds to the festive feeling of the day. A delicious lunch of a variety of soups and breads is available in the chapel.

The second fair I join is at the Winterfest Craft Fair at Antioch University New England, in Keene where I work. It is organized by the Student Alliance, which “aims to increase student participation in decision making processes, community service, and social events to build a strong and diverse learning community within the Department of Environmental Studies, Antioch University New England and beyond”. Artisans from the Monadnock region, as well as many creative Antioch staff sell home baked goods, art prints and cards, paintings, local honey, jam and maple syrup, beaded jewelry, pottery, hand knits, hand made clothes, and much more.

Then, coming up this Friday and Saturday, December 9 and 10 is The Orchard School Craft Fair, which will take place in the historic town hall in Walpole, NH. My family has been closely connected to the Orchard School in the neighboring town of East Alstead since my daughter started preschool there in 2001. My two children have grown up there, attending preschool, kindergarten, summer camps and now and after school program called Farmers and Foragers. Supporting their fundraising efforts by being in the craft fair is really important to me. I always enjoy seeing many old friends there, and noticing how much my children’s former classmates have grown over the last year!

During this busy season of visiting with family and friends and shopping for holiday gifts, I hope you can find time to shop local and support your neighborhood craft fairs. There are so many talented artisans all around us, and you will be able to find all kinds of beautiful gifts, all while supporting organizations that have meaning for you.