On Sunday November 19th, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Gladstone held their 63rd annual Christmas fair. This festive fair is a yearly event that flows with holiday spirit and builds community as the holiday season approaches.
Weeks of prep provide opportunities for community gathering, and at the end of fairday, all proceeds go to charities and local organizations. The entire event is pulled off by many dedicated volunteers, like Lucinda Putnam who said that “attending pre-fair workshops and working on the day of the fair was a great, fun opportunity to connect with my community, and support a good cause!”
It is fun for volunteers and visitors alike. Local 6 year old, Scarlet Atkins said “my reindeer ride was so fun, and I won a fidget. I love the Christmas fair!”
The event is broken down into smaller departments with different offerings like children’s games and activities, handcrafted holiday gifts, baked goods, reindeer rides and homemade meal packages. Each department keeps track of the funds that they bring in separately, and they all work together to create a holiday wonderland.
This year’s event was the most successful from the last 10 years, and made around $30,000. All of the profits will be distributed to local charities. One of the main charities the church supports is nourish NJ an organization in Morristown that provides around 76,000 meals for people in need each year, along with many other outreach programs that can aid in finding housing, and employment opportunities.
From Christmas cheer, to meals for those in need. The Christmas fair is an influential and fun local Holiday tradition that is back in full swing after struggling the past two years due to COVID restrictions.
