The Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair at Durfee is this weekend. Here's what you need to know

Kristina Fontes, The Herald News
Updated ·3 min read

Looking for something unique to gift to someone in your life?

Something handmade?

Or even something that you yourself can enjoy?

That’s made locally?

You’re in luck then, because the annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair is coming right up.

Held at B.M.C. Durfee High School, this two-day event will feature more than 150 exhibitors.

In addition to local crafters, there will be some special guests who craft using the written word: you can meet some local authors.

Plus, learn how to make some crafts yourself, with craft classes!

Before the Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair returns, here’s everything you need to know before you go:

Wreath-maker Mary Beth Kelly is one of the crafters at the 2023 Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair at B.M.C. Durfee High School in Fall River.
Wreath-maker Mary Beth Kelly is one of the crafters at the 2023 Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair at B.M.C. Durfee High School in Fall River.

When is the Christmas arts and crafts fair?

The Christmas Arts and Crafts fair will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where will the fair be held?

The arts and crafts fair will be held at B.M.C. Durfee High School, 460 Elsbree St., Fall River.

How many years has the arts and crafts fair been held?

This is the 47th anniversary of the fair.

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How many exhibitors will there be?

There will be over 150 exhibitors, and James Rogers, founder and director of the fair, said in a press release that the fair will feature 200 “of the finest crafters from throughout New England.”

“The purpose of the fair is to give area craftsmen a showcase setting where they can display and sell their handmade work to the thousands of area residents who look forward to this annual Christmas time event,” Rogers said in the release.

Thirty-five crafters from Fall River will be participating.

There will be over 70 repeat crafters.

Who are the crafters in this year’s fair?

Mary Beth Kelly, who makes floral wreaths from materials like burlap and grapevines, is one of the crafters at this year’s fair.

Wreath-maker Mary Beth Kelly is one of the crafters at the 2023 Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair at B.M.C. Durfee High School in Fall River.
Wreath-maker Mary Beth Kelly is one of the crafters at the 2023 Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair at B.M.C. Durfee High School in Fall River.

“To me, the Durfee craft show has always symbolized the beginning of the holiday season,” Kelly told The Herald News. “Whether I’m a vendor or a customer, it is a tradition I’ll always treasure.”

Other crafters at this year’s fair include:

  • Jessica Dispirito: All-natural goat milk soaps, body butters and lip balm

  • Melanie McDonald: Candles that resemble real dessert and cocktail glasses

  • Edward Medeiros: Hand-cut and hand-painted wooden Christmas smiling animal decorations

  • Corylyn Potvin: Custom-stamped images on roses

  • Andrew Nasser: Pottery mugs

  • Joyce Lorman: Framed sea glass décor

  • Brad Carter: Fresh balsam wreaths

  • Alex Strokanov: Maker of Russian-style Santa dolls

  • Mary Ford: Painted nautical scenes on wood

What kind of craft classes will there be, and where will they be held?

Twenty craft classes will be held in the Luke Urban Field House. They range from hand-thrown pottery, carved wooden items, and painted glass, to floral arrangements, Native American crafts, and hand-made clothes.

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Meet local authors

You can also meet some folks who craft using story.

Local authors Steven Manchester, John Cummings and Stephani Khoury will be there. Other authors at this year’s fair include: Willie Pleasants of Dorchester and Emely Varosky of Attleboro.

Wreath-maker Mary Beth Kelly is one of the crafters at the 2023 Christmas arts and crafts fair at B.M.C. Durfee High School in Fall River.
Wreath-maker Mary Beth Kelly is one of the crafters at the 2023 Christmas arts and crafts fair at B.M.C. Durfee High School in Fall River.

What about admission and parking?

Admission and parking at the fair are both free.

Who sponsors the fair, and what will the proceeds go toward?

The Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair is sponsored by the Fall River Scholarship Foundation and proceeds from the fair will be awarded in the form of scholarships to Fall River students next June.

Volunteers are welcome

There will be over 50 volunteers assisting at this year’s arts and crafts fair, including members of the Durfee Orchestra.

Volunteers are welcome to join by calling Rogers at 508-673-1118 or sending an email to jimanddee@comcast.net.

Herald News/Taunton Daily Gazette copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: 2023 Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair at Durfee in Fall River