(Nov. 10, 2016) Because last year’s event was snowed out by one of the blizzards that struck the region in 2015, this year’s Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair is doubly important to the Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s one of our two largest fundraisers,” Michelle Hickman, chamber director, said. “All proceeds go towards maintaining chamber functions for the next year.”
There is a $3 admission charge for the event for anyone over the age of 12, held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the community center side of the firehouse on Market Street.
“What’s really important is that these are all local vendors — and when I say ‘local’ I mean from the lower shore,” she said. “We have 34 vendors, some from the Eastern Shore of Virginia and others from here.”
In all, 34 vendors showing a variety of products, including jewelry, furniture, home décor, painted glass and other homemade items, will be at the festival.
“We even have a guy with beard oil,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to buy handcrafted items from local vendors — those are the only kinds of items we allow at this event.”
Competition for the one-of-a-kind gifts could be fierce, as Hickman said she was expecting to see a repeat of the 300-plus people, excluding children, who attended the festival the last time it was held.
Though the children aren’t included in the attendance figures, that doesn’t mean they’re forgotten. The Pocomoke City branch of the Worcester County Public Library will be providing free crafts for children while the parents shop.
Santa and Mrs. Claus also will attend to get a jump on the holiday photo season, along with the natural head start on the shopping season the festival provides.
“The Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary will be selling breakfast sandwiches, lunch items and homemade soup, too,” Hickman said.
For more information, contact the Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce at 410-957-1919.