St. George's volunteers get ready for Christmas Fair Dec. 6

Craft shows are not uncommon, but the St. George’s Chapel Christmas Fair, to be held this year from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, at the chapel parish hall on Route 23, Beaver Dam Road, Harbeson, is a special event, fashioned each year with loving care.

St. George’s Chapel is small, but there is no shortage of leadership and volunteers for the yearly event. “We never have trouble finding the help we need,” said Helen Abrams, president of the Episcopal Church Women of the chapel.

“Our volunteers give of themselves in loving, spiritual fellowship,” said Abrams. “It’s how we work.” There are 177 families at St. George’s Chapel. “It’s a small but mighty base,” Abrams said.

St. George’s has been doing the craft show for 11 years now. “We started it when we built our parish hall in 2004,” Abrams said. St. George’s Chapel has been at its current location in the some form for almost 300 years. Tours of the chapel will be given on Christmas Fair day.

In addition to the popular crafts that the women of the chapel make, there will be 11 vendors this year, bringing things such as mobile glass art, Corian cutting boards, fresh cheeses from Wisconsin, spiritual jewelry and other items such as handmade wreaths that light up. White elephant items, baked goods, books, fresh greens and other favorites, will also be for sale.

“The women and men of St. George’s have a special feeling for this event,” said Abrams. “They work all year, making crafts, and getting ready for this day, a once-a-year event.”

Food is a special part of the day. “This year, because of the growing needs and interests of shoppers, we are offering breakfast food items along with coffee and tea,” said Abrams. “And, later, hot soup, chili, hot dogs and sauerkraut, and this year, chicken salad sandwiches. Also, we’ll have homemade desserts to eat at the fair and/or take home.” A well–stocked dessert table is a regular feature of the event.

With this event, the St. George’s Chapel volunteers regularly raise between $3,000 and $4,000 for charity giving. For more information, call 302-945-2368.