Harvest Fair celebrates 30th year
By Ken Powers Contributing Writer

Northborough - An exhibition originally created to showcase the skills of its members, the Northborough Junior Woman's Club's Harvest Craft Fair, turns 30 this week.

"Believe it or not, the craft fair really is 30 years old," said Jane Walsh, who is co-chair of the event. "I've only been in the club for three years, but the fact that I'm co-chair for the 30th anniversary of the craft fair is a testimony to the vitality of our club and the event. I think it also says something about the crafters that attend and the community."

The event will be held Saturday Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Melican Middle School on Lincoln Street.

Vendors will off er quilts, handbags, doll clothing, jewelry, glassware, florals, pewter and more, as well as reclaimed cashmere and items with holiday themes.

"A balanced variety is one of the key things that we seek out when we're selecting and deciding upon crafters for the fair," said Ruth Reeve, also co-chair of the event. "We make every effort to select crafters who bring artistry to their booth displays as well as their crafts."

More than 70 crafters will be on hand at the fair, which will include a bake sale featuring home-baked goods and a craft raffle. Breakfast and lunch are also served.

"# is is shaping up as a wonderful craft year," Walsh said. "… We're expecting more than 1,000 people to attend the event. It's one of the upbeat, feel-good events of the year in Northborough."

# e food service is playfully called Café Chez Craft.

"Martha Michalewich's egg rolls are a staple of the café menu," Walsh said. "Each year under Martha's tutelage, club members and several spouses gather and produce egg roll after egg roll. Even the lunch menu reflects the craft fair's requirements that everything be handcrafted or homemade."

As part of the celebration for the 30-year anniversary of the Harvest Craft Fair, a free raffle will be off ered to all attendees. All entrants will get a chance to win $30.

"It's a way to say thank you to everyone who has helped and continues to help make this the festive autumn tradition it is, here in Northborough," Reeve said.

A portion of the fair's proceeds will be directed to a local domestic violence initiative called DayBreak and another portion directed to an empowering women initiative in Nepal.

"# e craft fair is our major annual fund-raiser," Walsh said.

For more information about NJWC and to obtain a discount admission coupon, visit www.northborojuniorwomansclub. org.