Two women who are relative newcomers to Hope are planning their first annual Last Chance Christmas Craft Fair next weekend.
“We want this to be a handcrafts-only event with high quality gift items and Christmas goodies,” said Lorraine McDonald, who moved to Hope this past summer. “We know it’s a small town and there are other craft fairs, but we hope to add to what’s already offered and give artisans another opportunity to display and sell their arts and crafts in a beautifully-decorated Christmas setting.”
McDonald and her friend Cindy Schoenit will use the table rental sales and admission to support the efforts of the Joshua Project, a food and clothing program for the disadvantaged held at the Hope Centre.
“We have 30-plus vendors with a variety of unique handcrafted items,” said McDonald. “We’re delighted with the quality of the items to be offered and believe shoppers will be impressed as they take this ‘last chance’ to pick up that perfect gift or stocking stuffer.”
The women received several Christmas trees, lights and decorations from local residents to set up and decorate throughout the venue.
“We also rummaged through our church’s storage area and found some great Christmas banners and other decorations, so we’re excited to see how we can make it all come together for a cozy Christmas ambience,” McDonald added.
The Last Chance Christmas Craft Fair runs Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hope Centre, 888 3rd Ave. There will be food and refreshments available, as well as face painting and Christmas videos for kids.
Door prizes will be offered throughout the day. Admission is by a canned or boxed food item for the food bank or a minimum $1 cash donation.