For thousands of people, the Franciscan Christmas Fair in Meriden has become a time-honored tradition that signals the start of the Christmas season.
The 32nd fair will be held this Saturday, Nov. 18, on the campus of the Franciscan Life Center. While chestnuts are roasting on an open fire, visitors can experience the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of Christmas.
Highlights of this year’s event, organized by the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, will feature a variety of homemade and handmade items. Freshly baked Franciscan edibles, including baked dinner rolls, breads, cookies and fudge, usually sell out quickly.
For anyone looking to give a unique gift, there will be many options to choose from: Holy Land carved treasures; honey; personalized cards; knitted and crocheted items; rosaries; beeswax candles; decorative wooden reindeer; and Franciscan pottery and yarn.
In addition, there will be 35 different baskets for raffle; 22 varieties of food to eat on site or to take home; and 27 shopping stations. Begin your decorating with fresh cut Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces, decorative greens and kissing balls for purchase.
Children can take part in an integral part of the fair – the living crèche, which depicts the birth of Jesus Christ in a manger. Two processions of the living crèche will occur at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
The processions will step off at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. from the Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care building and proceed to the crèche setting in the grass field. Children can participate as angels, shepherds, kings and members of the Holy Family by arriving at the Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care about 15 minutes in advance of the processions. Costumes will be provided.
The story of the Nativity will be narrated and Christmas carols will be sung. New this year, a lamb named Ruth will join the sheep and goats in the living crèche performances. Afterward, the animals will be available for petting.
Children will also be able to engage in a grab bag, crafts and visit with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus too. Photos with Santa may be taken free on your own devices.
The Christmas Fair is an all-hands-on-deck fundraiser for the Franciscan Sisters that benefits the services of the Franciscan Life Center and the Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care, both based in Meriden.
Some 200 people are instrumental in assisting with decorating the campus, setting up and breaking down afterward, helping during the fair and creating items in advance for purchase. The sisters are always looking for volunteers to help with different facets of the fair. To learn more, email Gretchen at gretchenr@flcenter.org.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The Franciscan Christmas Fair will run rain or shine this Saturday, Nov. 18, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., on the Franciscan Life Center campus, 271 Finch Ave., Meriden. Admission is free. Parking is available around the campus of the Franciscan Life Center, on the grass field adjacent to the campus and along Beverly Drive. Parking attendants will be directing street and pedestrian traffic. Handicapped parking is available on the campus; mention any special requests to the attendants. If needed, golf cart transportation will be provided. All booths and tents are on ground level and accessible. For more information, call 203.237.8084 or visit flcenter.org.
