Christmas concerts, craft fairs offer a chance to get into the spirit of the season
If you're trying to get away from some of the commercialism that can be part of the holiday season, this weekend will offer some community spirit in events that highlight local concerts and craft fairs.
Across the county will be opportunities to purchase gifts, or maybe find something for yourself, at local craft fairs. There will also be plenty of Christmas music filling the air to remind you of the joys of the season.
Of course, there will also be plenty of events highlighted by the annual Christmas in Newport festivities taking place all month long.
Decorate a Christmas tree
The Thompson Parent Teacher Organization is inviting Newport residents to take part in the inaugural Community Tree Lighting and Decorating event on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. (A rain date will be held on Sunday, Dec. 11.)
Residents are invited to bring an ornament that represents their family, culture or religion to hang on one of the four trees located outside of the Broadway school. Ornaments should be suitable for the outdoors.
There will also be hot cocoa, treats and a sing-along.
Rogers High's Craft Fair
Items by local artists and students will be sold at a Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Twenty-five vendors will sell wares ranging from local art and photography to upcycled bags/napkins and aprons. There will be handmade jewelry, ornaments, succulents, candles, pottery and personalized glassware for sale.
Chourico sandwiches and items from the grill will be available for purchase and there will be a bake sale.
Additionally, 150th-anniversary gear, Rogers High School ornaments, glassware, sports bottles and reusable bags designed by the graphics department for current classes (2023 to 2026) will be for sale.
All proceeds will benefit Rogers High School's Class of 2026 to make school activities more affordable for all students.
The Craft Fair will be held in the Rogers High School Gym at 109 Old Fort Road. Artists wishing to exhibit may email angelajohnson@npsri.net for more information.
Enjoy Christmas concerts
The Newport Navy Choristers, under the direction of Lori McDowell, will present “Christmas in Song” on Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m., at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth.
The concert will benefit the Military Spouses of Newport's Continuing Education Scholarship & Community Grant Fund. The Military Spouses of Newport (MSON) develops and fosters a spirit of community and goodwill at Newport Naval Station among spouses of active duty, reserve, retired, and deceased U.S. Military, Coast Guard, National Guard, and International service members. MSON offers unrestricted community grants and continuing education scholarships for eligible military dependents. Last year, MSON awarded $14,000 in scholarships and community grants.
Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.nwcshipsbell.com. Tickets will also be available at the door on the night of the concert. Prices are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $10 for children ages 15 and under. For more information, contact Katie Torres, president, at president.mson@gmail.com or 401-366-4823.
"A Very Merry Christmas" concert featuring a variety of traditional Christmas carols will take place on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. or Sunday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. at the Jamestown Community Center, 41 Conanicus Ave., Jamestown. Masks are optional; air filtration will be in place.
Some of the more familiar carols will be "Angels We Have Heard on High," "What Child is This?" "Good Christian Men Rejoice," "In the Bleak Midwinter," and "Rise Up Shepherd and Follow." Some of the less familiar, but equally vibrant carols, will be "Gower Wassail," "The Cherry Tree Carol," "There Is No Rose," "So Blest a Sight," "Masters in this Hall" and "Fum, Fum, Fum." In addition to the carols, Dawn Chung (the chorus pianist) will perform a solo piano piece.
Please join us for our Director B.J. Whiteouse's 33rd season, with chorus members from Jamestown, South Kingstown, North Kingstown, Portsmouth, Middletown, Narragansett and Newport.
All tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door or reserved by calling 401-207-0771 or email at cantabile50@gmail.com.
Jamestown Holiday Arts Market
The Annual Jamestown Arts Center (JAC) Holiday Arts Market is a two-day event featuring a curated group of local artists, designers and craftspeople.
The Holiday Arts Market runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 inside at the JAC, 18 Valley St. Jamestown.
Attendance is free and open to the public.
This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Christmas concerts, craft fairs offer a chance to get into the spirit
