ENFIELD — The holiday season in Enfield begins with creativity, community and a touch of handmade magic.
The Women’s Guild of St. Jeanne Jugan Parish is hosting its annual Fall into Winter Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 15.
This popular event will feature the original work of 46 artisans and crafters, along with a teacup raffle, refreshments and free admission.
The fair serves as an important fundraiser that benefits both the members of the parish and the greater Enfield community.
Chairperson Carole Frappier said the fair has grown into a cherished local tradition that brings together creativity and connection. “In recent years, Holy Family Church combined with three other churches in Enfield to become St. Jeanne Jugan Parish,” she explained. “What a pleasure to connect St. Bernard’s, St. Martha’s, St. Patrick’s and Holy Family. It’s a great way of getting the word out.”
This year’s event promises to be one of the biggest yet. “We fill our Father Kerwan Hall, all the classrooms and the south foyer with an array of 46 quality artisans and crafters,” Frappier said proudly.
Each vendor is thoughtfully chosen to ensure a diverse and balanced shopping experience. “We try to include a broad variety of products and limit the number in each category, so the event offers balance for both the shoppers and the artisans,” Frappier said. “We are a juried fair.”
The lineup includes sewing, knit and crochet goods, soaps, candles, wood and ceramic crafts, pottery, baked goods, food items, art and photography, Christmas decorations, jewelry and much more. “This process makes both the crafter and the shopper happy,” Frappier added.
One of the fair’s highlights is its friendly, community-oriented atmosphere. “There is no admission,” Frappier emphasized. “The cost for the crafters is reasonable compared to other fairs and our crafters provide us with an item that becomes a prize in the teacup raffle. The folks in the kitchen come up with refreshments at a reasonable cost as well.”
Beyond the festive shopping, the event carries a meaningful purpose. The Women’s Guild uses the funds raised to give back to the community through scholarship aid for local students, gifts to nursing homes and support for other charitable causes. “The Women’s Guild uses the funds raised in a variety of ways,” Frappier said. “Examples include scholarship aid to area students, gifts to area nursing homes and aid to other causes.”
For Frappier, organizing the fair is a labor of love rooted in years of community engagement. “As the chairperson, I started the Spring Bazaar a dozen years ago,” she recalled. “The event went so well, we decided to sponsor the Fall into Winter Craft Fair.”
The fair has since evolved into a joyful celebration of artistry and connection. “Visitors won’t be disappointed,” Frappier promised. “As for the artisans and crafters, what a talented group of people. Many are retired and enjoy having a new career. I guess you could say the crafters become a family.”
With its festive spirit, unique handmade creations, and community-centered mission, the Fall Into Winter Craft Fair offers the perfect way to kick off the holiday season — filled with heart, creativity, and hometown pride.
The fair will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Holy Family Church hall and classrooms, 23 Simon Road, Enfield.
