St. John's Holiday Fair

St. John's Fair Returns to Handcrafted Theme -- 

This year, the St. John's Holiday Fair in Arlington celebrates a return to one-of-a-kind, high-quality hand-crafted gifts made with care and skill by parishioners and community members. According to 2012 Fair coordinators Cate Barr and Charlotte Pierce, the afforably priced handcrafts wiill include hand-knitted mittens and scarves; small-batch natural soaps under the "Savon de St. John's" label; vintage-look covered buttons & hair accessories; holiday ornaments and personalized stamped napkins; and unique earring, bracelet, and necklace jewelry sets for the holidays and all occasions. Guests will be able to participate in several craft demonstrations, several of which are suitable for children. 

"There used to be a group of ladies called the 'Tuesday Guild' who made wonderful things for the Fair," said Pierce, "and we've drawn on their inspiration as we formed the current group, the St. John's Crafters, which meets after Sunday services and during the week in the lead-up to the Fair. There's been a tremendous resurgence of interest in this type of activity at the church; maybe a kind of reaction to all the commercialism around the holidays." 

In addition to hand-crafted gifts and jewelry, visitors will find terrific bargains on vintage housewares and antiques at the Attic Treasures table; stunning luxury items at the at the Silent Auction, and the ever-popular 50/50 raffle and basket raffle, which features themed goodies and offerings from local Arlington businesses. Derby Farm Flowers & Gardens, Crescent Ridge Dairy, and The Computer Cafe have already pledged contributions, and many more are on the way.

And then there's the food. "Our members bring in a mountain of amazing holiday baked goods and we often sell out by the end of the day," said Pierce, "and many people come especially for the Cabot Special Reserve sharp cheddar cheese, that we cut to order, right off the wheel."
Lest all that merry shopping make you hungry, donuts, cider, and coffee are served throughout the the morning. The St. John's "Soups-On" Cafe opens for lunch starting at 11:30 and will feature a menu of homemade savory comfort foods like White Bean Chili, Turkey Chili, Clam Chowder, and Cherokee Succotash, and freshly made French bread. 

To add to the fun, throughout the day there will be live music; Scottish dancing near the end. A new all-day gift-wrapping station will make the St. John's Holiday Fair truly a one-stop holiday shopping experience.

The historic St. John's Episcopal Church is located at 74 Pleasant Street in Arlington (Rt. 60). Come and join us at St. John's - all are welcome at this this fun, traditional community event!