Shrieks of joy and laughter could be heard from the hallways of Wareham Elementary School as Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted visitors of the PTO-sponsored Holiday Fair. 

From woodwork to painted ornaments, the school gym was packed with handmade  goodies on Saturday, Dec. 10. 

Nicole Avila of the PTO said that despite it being the 15th year that the Elementary School has hosted the fair, in some ways it felt like the first.

“This is the first year we are doing it since Covid, and we are in a new space,” Avila said, referring to the new school building. 

According to Avila, this was the biggest fair, yet with a total of 50 vendors. 

“Everything goes right back to the kids,” she said.

Avila hopes to raise $10,000 although she is “grateful for what we get.” 

Money raised from the fair will go towards field trips and classroom enrichment .

Vendor Mabel Griffin said that as a retired teacher of the Decas School, she was excited to sell her art in support of the students. 

“I usually do watercolors, but these make great gifts,” Griffin said, gesturing to her acrylic painted stones.

Griffin’s impressive display included hand-painted rocks with images such as fish and farmhouses. 

Vendor and teacher Monique Dasilva brought unique wooden signs inspired by the classroom. 

“I wanted to make something fun and interactive for students,” she said. 

Dasilvia’s welcome signs include interchangeable symbols that students can switch out seasonally. 

From raffles and face painting to shopping and pictures with Santa, fair attendees had a number of fun activities to choose from. 

Miles Pieretti overcame his fears and sat with Santa for a picture. 

“I want an excavator,” he told Santa with a smile.