Christmas fairs kick off December in Wareham

Wareham residents looking to do some holiday shopping this weekend found a plethora of handmade gifts and goodies available to them on Dec. 1 at Christmas fairs set up all over town. 

Fresh greens, ornaments, baked goods and more were in stock at local churches thanks to the efforts of the Wareham Garden Club, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Wesley United Methodist Church.

The garden club Christmas Fair, Yuletide Glow, operated out of the parish center at St. Patrick’s Church on High St. The event has a history dating back more than thirty years according to Vice President Diane Cook, and each year all 80 of the club’s members get involved.

Cook said the club had been preparing for the fair since September, hosting workshops and making wares such as felted soaps and wreaths.

“Everyone is involved in someway,” Cook said. “And I think half the fun is all of us just being here together.”

She added that all of the proceeds from the garden club’s fair would sponsor scholarships for Wareham High School students.

Next door at the Church of the Good Shepherd, tables were overflowing with gift baskets, toys and jars of homemade jam.

Children ages 12 and under looking to buy gifts for their families even had a special room all to themselves where items could be bought and wrapped for as low as a dollar.

“We try to offer gifts that are unique and affordable for everyone,” said Karen Clark, President of the Good Shepherd’s Guild. “We have a good crew of volunteers, and they help make each year more special than the last.”

Proceeds from the Church of the Good Shepherd’s Christmas Fair would support the church’s ministries, said Clark.

Down on Main St., the Wesley United Methodist Church opened its doors to sell warm winter clothes and thrifted decorations. They also served up a warm lunch of clam chowder and kale soup. 

Children from the church’s Sunday school ran their own table, offering decorated candles and knick-knacks to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Boston.

“It’s a very important cause,” said 12 year-old Georgia Orne. “And we want everyone to have a merry Christmas.”