St. James seeking vendors for Sept. craft fair

Coming this fall, St. James Episcopal Church in downtown Wooster will host its first craft fair and is currently looking for vendors for the upcoming Sept. 21 event.

“Several of our parishioners are artists and craftspeople,” said Carrie Bonvallet, the parish administrator and chairperson of the craft fair planning committee. “Many of our members also make it a priority to support local businesses, especially Local Roots and the Downtown Farmers Market. We felt that this event was a great way for us to raise funds while also helping small businesses.”

Funds raised will benefit the community in several ways. The church hosts a pet pantry that provides food to companion animals of those in need, and monies will primarily go toward that.

Additional funds will support the maintenance of the historic church building.

“St. James is the second oldest church building in Wooster,” Bonvallet said.

She said in addition to being utilized by the parish, the building is used by 10 Alcoholics Anonymous meetings per week.

For vendors, the focus is on artisans located in Northeast Ohio, and the closer to Wooster the better. Bonvallet said they are looking for vendors who sell handmade crafts or art. Homemade soaps, candles or similar items also will be welcome. The event is not open to multi-level marketers.

“The craft fair will be heavily advertised and will coincide with the Downtown Wooster Farmers Market to draw foot traffic to the event,” Bonvallet said. “Lunch and baked goods will also be offered for sale to help increase the number of customers.”

She said there is not room to host any additional food vendors.

The cost to participate will be $25 to reserve an 8-by-8-foot space. Vendors can bring their own displays or rent a 6-foot table for an additional $5.

St. James Episcopal Church’s Homemade Harvest Craft Fair will be held Saturday, Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information including online vendor registration can be found at www.stjameswooster.org/craftfair, and questions can be asked by emailing craftfair@stjameswooster.org.

“The parish is very excited about hosting this event, and we’re hoping to make it an annual event,” Bonvallet said.