Christmas craft fair at Post 5
BRATTLEBORO - American Legion Auxiliary Unit 5 will hold its 25th annual Christmas craft fair on Saturday, Nov. 24, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at American Legion Post 5, 32 Linden St.
Thirty-five vendors are expected, and the kitchen will be open.
All proceeds are used to support programs for veterans and their families.
To inquire about being a vendor or for any other questions, call Lori Nelson at 802-380-6179.
Strolling of the Heifers to host holiday pop-up gift shop
BRATTLEBORO - Strolling of the Heifers will host a holiday pop-up gift shop in the River Garden (157 Main St.) on Friday, Nov. 23, from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 23, from noon to 4 p.m.
Products from more than 40 local artisans will be available for purchase.
Strolling of the Heifers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the food and agriculture economy by investing in the communities, businesses, farmers and food producers that support it.
For more information, visit strollingoftheheifers.com.
BF shops host open house for Thanksgiving weekend
BELLOWS FALLS - Restaurants and shops from the Bellows Falls area (including Rockingham, Saxtons River, and Westminster) will hold their annual Thanksgiving Weekend Open House from Friday, Nov. 23 to Monday, Nov. 26.
Starting with “Plaid Friday” (everyone wears plaid), many of the businesses will offer specials, classes, and events, and they will serve refreshments throughout the weekend.
Small Business Saturday, on Nov. 24, is a national holiday-shopping tradition that celebrates small businesses like those in the Great Falls area.
“And it wouldn't be a celebration without our loyal customers stopping by to join them,” event organizers write.
The Bellows Falls Downtown Development Alliance reminds the public that they can help get the word out and celebrate Small Business Saturday by using Facebook and other social networks.
The 2018 Shop Local cards are now available. The 60 participating establishments in Bellows Falls, Saxtons River, Rockingham, and Westminster will stamp these cards through the end of the year. Completed cards will be entered into a raffle for prizes.
Details on all BFDDA events are available on the organization's Facebook page, or call 802-460-2333 for more information.
Church hosts Christmas bazaar
WEST BRATTLEBORO - The annual Christmas bazaar at First Congregational Church of West Brattleboro takes place Saturday, Nov. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the church, 880 Western Ave.
Booths will feature Christmas greens and ornaments, from balsam wreaths to berry bowls. Handcrafted gifts run the gamut from baskets to hats and from wool gloves to afghans.
The general store will sell fudge, sweet and savory treats, and preserves, and doll clothes and embroidered sundries will be on display.
The baked-goods table will be brimming with fresh bread and pastries as well as corn bread and containers of chili. A kids' corner will feature pine-cone bird feeders and wooden Christmas trees.
The West Bee Nursery will offer handmade soaps and lotions.
A raffle will include maple syrup, quilts, homemade dolls, a rustic settee, Vermont cheeses, and gift and gas cards. The drawing will be held just before closing at 1:30 p.m.
Lunch, beginning at 11:30 a.m., will feature corn chowder and various sandwiches. Coffee and cider will be available all day.
Festival of wreaths and greens at All Souls
WEST BRATTLEBORO - The annual holiday bazaar at the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church will once again offer unique artisan wreaths and greens on Friday, Nov. 30, from 3 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Handmade swags, wreaths, table arrangements made from locally cut fresh greens, and natural wonders to decorate any space will be available for sale.
Berries, cones, and other natural contributions adorn the wreaths, and handmade ornaments will be available.
On Friday, the café will offer a variety of chilis and corn bread to go. On Saturday, the café will serve soups, bread and desserts from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Artisan Bake Table will include holiday specialties such as stollen, fruitcake made with real fruit, a cookie bar, and other goodies.
This year, the Gift Emporium will offer crafts such as felted and knit items, maple syrup, and jewelry holders. You may buy raffle tickets for theme baskets, or go to the Eco Table, where homemade cloth gift bags, fair-trade chocolate, and DVD movies will be available.
All proceeds benefit the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church at West Village Meeting House on South Street, whose building is the home of the Theater Adventure Program, as well as a gathering place for special occasions, community events, and conferences.
For more information about the bazaar, call Kathy Squires at 802-365-7388.
Santa comes to Gibson-Aiken Center
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Recreation and Parks Department welcomes Santa Claus to the Gibson-Aiken Center on Main Street on Saturday, Dec. 1.
Santa will arrive at 1 p.m. on a tractor provided by the Robb Family Farm and escorted by the Brattleboro Police and Fire departments.
In this event for children of all ages, kids can visit with Frosty and Santa and his elves and have their pictures taken for a donation.
For more information, call the Recreation and Parks office at 802-254-5808 or visit the department's Facebook page for more information.
Christmas bazaar at Guilford Community Church
GUILFORD - Guilford Community Church's Christmas bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., will feature handmade crafts, decorated wreaths, holiday cookie platters, white elephants, and many unique gift items.
The raffle table will include a handmade quilt, an American Girl doll, and much more. Hot beverages, chili, and soups will also be for sale.
All proceeds from the bazaar benefit the church, which actively supports numerous local programs and organizations serving the wider community.
From Interstate 91 Exit 1 in Brattleboro, drive south on Route 5 to just past the Guilford Country Store, turn left onto Bee Barn Road, then left again onto Church Drive.
The bazaar is accessible, and there will be seating for lunch or a snack.
Londonderry church hosts Christmas Bazaar
LONDONDERRY - Second Congregational Church will present its annual Christmas bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The church will offer wreaths, hand-knitted items, Christmas decorations, a “white reindeer” table, gifts, baked goods, a cookie table, Vermont cheese, and maple syrup.
Prize-winning chili and clam chowder, homemade baked beans, and sandwiches will be served at lunchtime.
Holiday of Horses parade in Townshend
TOWNSHEND - The annual Holiday of Horses Parade and Celebration will be held on Sunday, Dec. 2, at 1 p.m. (weather permitting).
Decorated horses and riders begin their procession at Leland & Gray Union High School and will go up Route 35 to Valley Cares to visit residents.
For more information, contact Laura Richardson at roses41luckywind@gmail.com.
Holiday craft fair in Dover
EAST DOVER - The fourth annual Dover Holiday Craft Fair takes place on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Dover Town Hall, 190 Taft Brook Rd.
Local artists and crafters will feature hooked rugs, jewelry, photography, knit and fabric arts, decorative woodcrafts, bird-seed wreaths, and handcrafted chocolates, honey, soaps, and lotions. Fairgoers will find opportunities to benefit the Dover School sixth grade and local charities through a bake sale, lunch items, and a quilt raffle.
Admission is free. For more information, contact Jeannette Eckert at 802-348-7910 or Linda Sherman at 802-348-6361.
BF Senior Center to hold annual holiday bazaar
BELLOWS FALLS - The Bellows Falls Area Senior Center, at 18 Tuttle St, will hold its annual holiday bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The bazaar features knitted and hand-sewn items, arts and crafts, a white-elephant sale, jewelry, holiday decorations, and ornaments, all available on the second floor.
The first floor will feature homemade baked goods, raffles and the Elf Café, which will feature soup, hot dogs, sandwich rolls, and homemade pie from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A quilt made by the center's quilting group will be raffled off. Tickets are available at $1 each or six for $5.
The Christmas Cash raffle tickets are $20 each, and only 100 tickets will be sold. Raffle winners will receive more than $1,000 in cash prizes. All raffles will be drawn the day of the event.
Tickets are still available at the center's office, open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Candlelight fundraiser in West Chesterfield
WEST CHESTERFIELD, N.H. - The First Universalist Church of West Chesterfield will hold its annual Holiday Candlelight Fundraiser during the months of November and December.
For each name received, a candle will be displayed during the 2018 Candlelight Service on Sunday, Dec. 23 at 5 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to attend this service, which celebrates the power of candlelight and holiday spirit by sending your donations to light candles in memory, honor, or appreciation of friends and loved ones.
Names received by Wednesday, Dec. 12 will be printed in the service program.
Learn more about this fundraiser by calling clerk Betsey Brackett at 603-253-3293, or visit chesterfielduu.org, where you can also download a donation form.
Chanukah begins Dec. 2
BRATTLEBORO- This year's celebration of Chanukah - the Jewish festival of rededication, also known as the Festival of Lights - will begin in the evening of Sunday, Dec. 2 and will end in the evening of Monday, Dec. 10.
Information from the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community (Congregation Shir Heharim) was unavailable at press time for this section.
Visit the BAJC's website at bajcvermont.org or call 802-257-1959 for more information.