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Date: 10/7/2021
EAST LONGMEADOW - An autumn tradition has returned to East Longmeadow.
The St. Michael's Fall Craft Fair is back.
On Oct. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., nearly 40 craft vendors will set up tables and booths to sell their goods at the St. Michael's Community Center, 53 Somers Rd. There are so many vendors, that four booths will be outside, in front of the building, said Linda Berthiaume of the St. Michael's Family Life Committee, which is organizing the craft fair. There are no open spaces for additional vendors.
All manner of handicrafts will be available. "Everything from jewelry to pottery people, note cards," said Berthiaume of the variety. Vendors, the majority of whom are from East Longmeadow and the surrounding towns, will be selling crocheted, knitted and quilted crafts, handmade wood pieces and personal care items. Homemade jams, jellies, relishes, jerky and baked goods will be available for purchase. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and a teacup raffle.
The craft fair usually attracts a little over 100 people. In an average year, the Family Life Committee raises between $1,000 and $1,200 from vendor registration fees. Berthiaume said the fair is generally the only fundraiser done by the committee and the money is "spread out" to the church's various committees and focused on helping families in need.
This will be the church's fifth craft fair. It was put on hold for 2020 due to the pandemic but has been brought back with social distancing and masking in place to create a safe event. "Each [vendor] has a 10-foot space in the gym," Berthiaume said. Masks are required.
For more information, email stmikefamilylife@gmail.com.