50 Craftspeople Show Off Their Creations at Annual Norwich Craft Fair
Nov 09, 2016 03:13PM ● By Kirsten GehlbachThe fundraising event is sponsored by UUCUV members and friends. There is no admission fee, but you’re encouraged to purchase raffle tickets. In 2015, over $10,000 was raised and divided evenly between the church and three charities. This year, the funds raised will be shared with WISE, Good Neighbor Clinic, and The Family Place. Revenue comes from booth fees and the raffle. This year’s raffle item is a colored woodblock print donated by Lyme artist Matt Brown. Music will be provided by Chief Noda, a guitarist from Brockton, Massachusetts.
The event started with the making of milkweed pod Christmas ornaments by church members, hence the name, “Pods for the Pulpit.” Members stopped making the ornaments some years ago. The process was too labor intensive, and they felt the market had become saturated over the years. But if you’re interested, instructions on how to make a pod ornament are available.
“We’ve stuck with the name, despite no more ‘pods,’ because it has become so recognizable in the area,” explains Sally Page, organizer of the event. Sally has been joined by about 50 UUCUV church member volunteers to put on the event this year.
“We like to think of this as an alternative to Black Friday. Plus, it’s a community-building and involving event, and earns money for the church and other local worthy causes.”