BERNARDSTON — Walking through the doors of the United Church of Bernardston (UCB) Saturday morning, Dawn Marvin Ward of Montague heard the soft sounds of Christmas tunes.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the church was filled with holiday spirit as numerous vendors and church patrons sold a plethora of handmade holiday decorations, scarves, hats, jewelry, quilts, furniture, cards, candies and more. Handmade goods and practical gifts are part of what has kept Ward coming back to UCB’s annual Christmas Bazaar for 10 years.
“You learn something new every time you come here,” she said, noting how she enjoys exchanging crafting ideas with vendors and church patrons.
Holiday bazaars and fairs could be found across Franklin County this weekend, including in Warwick, Buckland, Greenfield, Montague and Orange.
“It just creates a whole area-wide atmosphere,” said UCB’s Rev. David Neil of the numerous fairs. “Everything sparkles.”
For many, Neil said, UCB’s Christmas Bazaar is one of several stops for shoppers hoping to visit multiple fairs across the county. Neil believes the Christmas Bazaar helps bring the broader Franklin County community — as well as the Bernardston community — together.
“It’s a chance to forget all the topics that divide us and remember that it’s a season for joy,” he said. “Everybody can have fun (and) you finish your Saturday feeling good about the world.”
Over the bazaar’s 40-year history, Neil said the church has strived to offer a welcoming atmosphere for all.
“There’s something here for everybody,” he said, whether it be toys for children or homemade potholders for avid cooks.
Plus, local bazaars and fairs offer plenty of opportunities to support charities as well, said Melanie Thorpe of Millers Falls. Thorpe operated a booth for HallClark Jewelry, which donates its profits to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Adopt-A-Family of Franklin County. So, purchasing an item at a fair not only provides guests with a holiday gift, but allows them to contribute to a good cause.
“They get to be happy twice,” Thorpe said.
The community, Neil said, has been dedicated to keeping the tradition of holiday bazaars going.
“It’s part of who the community is,” Neil said of the Christmas Bazaar. “I hope it goes on for another 40 years.”
The social aspect also keeps Ward coming back each year.
“I check in with everybody I met over the years,” she said. “There’s people … that just make it special to keep coming back for.”