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Vendors come out for annual holiday bazaar

| 11 Dec 2018 | 04:11
    Quinn Walters, of Hardyston, helps her Grandma sell her Baskets for All Occasions
    Quinn Walters, of Hardyston, helps her Grandma sell her Baskets for All Occasions
    PHOTOS BY LAURIE GORDON Kim O'Hara, of Sparta, displays her artisan ceramic jewelry.
    PHOTOS BY LAURIE GORDON Kim O'Hara, of Sparta, displays her artisan ceramic jewelry.
    The cafeteria and a good part of the school were filled with vendors at Saturday's Bazaar
    The cafeteria and a good part of the school were filled with vendors at Saturday's Bazaar
    Barbara Cashen, of Lafayette, volunteers each year to head up the kitchen.
    Barbara Cashen, of Lafayette, volunteers each year to head up the kitchen.
    Tara and Toni Shuppon sell creations by Momie Stew's Crafts and Creatures.
    Tara and Toni Shuppon sell creations by Momie Stew's Crafts and Creatures.

LAFAYETTE — The Lafayette Center Preservation Foundation's Holiday Craft Bazaar hasn't just been around for years: it's been held annually for decades. Saturday's event didn't disappoint as over 70 vendors wowed customers with their unique and hand-made items.
The Bazaar has a permanent place on the calendar and is held the second Saturday in December each year. Joan Smith, a member of the Foundation, has been an integral part of the organization of the event for the past 20 years, but she said it dates back for many, many more.
“It's a good fundraiser and people in the community enjoy coming out for the event,” she said. “We're thankful for our volunteers who help set up and prepare the food, and the cookie table is always a big hit.”
The event is held throughout the Lafayette Township School, but as soon as you enter the cafeteria area, the scent of the soup is a lure to the kitchen area where it, along with chili and sandwiches are available for purchase each year.
Barbara Cashen is in charge of the kitchen and said she enjoys her role.
“It's work but also fun to make sure everything is prepared and we always see familiar faces as well as meet new people,” she said.
Kim O'Hara, who makes artisan ceramic jewelry and is based in Sparta, said, “This is a really good craft fair. I've been coming for the past few years and they do a great job.”
Linda Sargent, of Baskets for All Occasions, traveled to the fair from Whitehouse station. Her grand daughter, Quinn Walters, lives in Hardyston and was on hand to help out.
“I first came last year and it was great, so I'm back again this year,” Sargen said. “I get to see my grand daughter and I've always loved this area as we had a summer house in Kemah Lake when I was growing up.”
Tara and Toni Shuppon are a mother/daughter team who own Mommie Stew's Crafts and Creatures which is based in Franklin.
“This is our fourth year and we really like this craft fair,” Tara Shuppon said. “We'll be back next year.”
The Lafayette Center Preservation Foundation's mission is to beautify and preserve the buildings and the unique sense of community in Lafayette. In 2004, the Foundation acquired the Mabee House and is in the process of renovating this historic building. Formerly the Lafayette Municipal Building, The Mabee House is one of the oldest and grandest building in Lafayette Center. It was built by the original owners of the Lafayette Mill in 1830. Proceeds from the Bazaar will benefit this continued restoration. For further information about the Foundation, visit: http://www.lafayettepreservation.org.