Annual Arts & Crafts Show Moves to New Venue, Expands Offerings

The Annual Friends of the Conant Public Library Arts & Crafts Show is set to take place at a new location this year, enhancing the experience for attendees and vendors alike. Scheduled for Saturday, November 22, 2023, the event will run from 09:00 to 14:00 at the Houghton Elementary and Chocksett Middle Schools, located at 32 Boutelle Road in Sterling, Massachusetts. This new venue will provide ample parking and space for over 50 vendors, allowing for a wider variety of handmade gifts and holiday items.

The show has been a beloved community event for many years and has experienced significant growth in popularity. According to Beth Cyr, chairperson of the craft fair, the relocation to the schools enables the fair to accommodate more artisans and craftspeople. “The new venue allows space for even more artists and craftspeople,” Cyr stated, highlighting the fair’s evolution.

Attendees can expect to find an array of high-quality items handcrafted by local artisans. Returning vendors will showcase a diverse selection, including alpaca products, aromatherapy items, baskets, beach glass art, skincare products, candles, caned chairs, cork creations, crochet goods, embellished flannel shirts, felt items, floral arrangements, jams and jellies, jewelry, ornaments, plant gardens, pottery, rope bowls, wind chimes, Zen catchers, and wood products.

This year also introduces exciting new offerings such as maple syrup, pet portraits, specialty olive oils and sambal sauces, along with books, cards, decoupage projects, candles in vintage teacups, and custom wreaths. “Favorite traditions such as the bake sale, cheese sale, raffle, and the lunch café will continue in the new location,” Cyr added, ensuring that the spirit of the event remains intact.

Admission to the event is set at $2, with all proceeds supporting programs at the Conant Public Library. Each shopper will receive a Passport that can be stamped at three locations, offering them a chance to win a prize. The event is co-sponsored by All One Credit Union.

While vendor spaces are currently full, interested artisans can contact Beth Cyr at [email protected] to join the waiting list and receive updates regarding next year’s show. For further details, visit the Friends of the Conant Public Library Arts & Crafts Show on Facebook, or follow @ConantLibraryCraftFair on Instagram. Additional information is available at sterlinglibrary.org.

The relocation of the show not only reflects its growth but also emphasizes the community’s commitment to supporting local artisans and celebrating holiday traditions.