NORTHFIELD — Residents familiar with Redemption Christian Academy and those who had never heard of the Christian prep school turned out to its first annual community fair Saturday curious to learn more.
The fair was held at the school at 154 South Mountain Road and took place from noon to 3:30 p.m. It was planned to raise awareness about what the campus has to offer, according to Program Director Marquita Wilchcombe.
“The whole purpose of this is to reach out to the community and let them know we’re here,” she said.
The fair featured booths by teachers and students showcasing their work, children’s activities such as an archery game, bounce house and Knockerballs, and a free lunch of hot dogs and hamburgers.
For example, ceramics teacher Bryan Higgins oversaw a booth of his students’ clay projects.
“It’s a really great opportunity for students to show their work and see their work in a new context,” he said. “It’s different having it on display rather than in the process.”
Though Higgins is a teacher at Redemption Christian Academy, he said the fair also gave him a chance to learn about his students’ numerous other academic endeavors.
“It’s amazing to see all the other classes and all this energy,” he said.
Ishmael Wooten, a member of Redemption Christian Academy’s Raw Food Club, presided over a booth featuring wild edibles. He said he loved discussing with visitors how food can be available right at one’s fingertips.
“It’s great to be able to share that with people who may or may not know already,” Wooten said.
Outside, students shared how they constructed handmade go-carts, beekeeping boxes and nine-volt battery-powered boats.
“I just was impressed with the lineup of things they offer here,” Northfield resident Annie Chappelle said. “It’s almost like a trade school … It’s all hands-on.”
Chappelle and her friend Susan Brock were familiar with Redemption Christian Academy, but attended to learn more about the school, particularly its involvement in beekeeping, which is one of Brock’s interests. They also went on a wild edibles walk led by Felix Lufkin.
Northfield resident Richard Nadolski was also aware of the school, having purchased their rum cakes and watched their basketball games, but attended the community fair with his wife to learn more.
“We feel this is a wonderful organization so we’ve come just to see what it’s doing,” he said.
“We had no idea there was a school up here,” said Greenfield resident Russ Higgins, who attended to learn more about where his son Bryan is volunteering as ceramics teacher.
At 4 p.m., there was also a basketball game where Redemption Christian Academy prep students took on Redemption Christian Academy high school students. The teams were assisted by the Northfield Fire Department.