Event to be held Dec. 5 at Sacred Heart
By Holly Neumann
After having to cancel last year’s event, Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Manawa will hold its annual Holiday Craft and Gift Fair.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at Manawa Elementary School.
“We are extremely excited to be hosting the Holiday Craft and Gift Show again,” said Mary Johnson, who helps organize the event. “We are handing out a small gift bags to everyone as they leave the event. We look forward to seeing all our friends and all the new items our vendors have been working on the last two years.”
More than 70 different vendors have signed up for the event, according to Johnson.
“There will be booths with granite cheese boards, rolling pins, hand-painted wine glasses, lawn décor, gnomes, sun catchers, ceramics, metal art, corn bags, vinyl decals, handcrafted jewelry, lighted bottles and Mason jars,” she said. “There will also be handmade items that are sewn, embroidered, crocheted, quilted and knit, like afghans, quilts, mittens, towels, scarves, hats, aprons, table runners, rugs and so much more.”
Purses, bags, storage totes, soaps, lotions, body butters, air fresheners, candles and skin care items will also be available.
“Shoppers can browse and shop, picking up something for themselves or purchasing gifts for their loved ones this Christmas,” Johnson said. “Our wonderful vendors have the opportunity to display everything they have to sell. Community members get a chance to shop from the many local artists all in one location.”
Some of the more popular items include homemade pies, candy, caramels, breads, cookies, cakes, baked goods, pickles, jams, jellies, dilly beans and salsa.
“There will be dip mixes, drink mixes, meal solutions and ingredient and of course, there will be lots of seasonal holiday décor like painted boards and signs, bulbs, ornaments, decorations, wreaths, swags, kissing balls, pine boughs, arrangements, succulents, herbs, gift baskets, plaques, reindeer, snowmen and Santas,” Johnson said.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will also make an appearance.
“This is your chance to talk with Santa and find out how the reindeer are doing and as well as let him know what you would like for Christmas this year,” Johnson said. “You can also get your photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus.”
The Little Wolf High School choir department will provide Christmas music.
All proceeds help fund the ministries of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, which includes support for other local nonprofit organizations. The event is the only big fundraiser that the church sponsors.
“This a great event for the community, as it brings so many people together,” Johnson said. “People can visit with friends, family and neighbors while enjoying the holiday atmosphere.”