35th annual Dickens Fair

By Kate King

Dickens Fair Coordinator

James Bay is getting ready to “Deck the Halls” with the 35^th annual Dickens Fair. This year the fair showcases 60 plus juried local new and returning vendors along with activities and attractions for all ages. Door prizes of $100 and $50 VISA gift cards too! If you are looking for that unique and beautiful gift, you are sure to find it among our diverse and talented local artisans.

You are in for a real treat, as the Dickens café will be bringing you a local favorite! The Heron Rock Bistro, a well-known James Bay restaurant will be serving up the holiday cheer. Known for supporting local island farmers they bring you not only the freshest food to the table but the tastiest.

Not sure what to get for that special person on your list? If you want that truly unique shopping experience, the Dickens Fair is the place to be. Our artisans offer a great variety of quality and affordable products that will appeal to everyone.

You will find beautifully crocheted hats by Andrea Kosorinova. There is also a great collection of knitted and hand woven hats, wraps and cowls perfect for men, women, teens and tots. Tie-dye apparel in all types and sizes… from fun to funky we have it all!

Trinkets By Design will wow you with his wonderful collection of Handcrafted bracelets from ornate silver spoons. For something really different visit Cold Gold with their line of jewelry and home decor made of concrete. Unique and long lasting, these items make the perfect gift. You will also find necklaces, rings, and earrings crafted from copper, brass, gemstones and glass.

How about handcrafted wooden serving trays and bowls, from Village Engrains and Sure Lee Enterprises. And no holiday is complete without decorative pure beeswax candles. Maritime Blues and Batiqua will also help you dress your holiday table with their beautiful table runners and decorative place mats.

Adorn your home with hanging cloth angels, Santa dolls, snowmen, elves, reindeer and hand painted Christmas balls. Hand carved decorated eggshells are a marvel to behold and will add color and personality to your home. From cheerful greeting cards to beautiful art prints, pottery to sculpture, and handmade driftwood cribbage boards and whimsical mobiles, our exhibitors will not cease to amaze you with their fine workmanship.

Don’t forget to pamper yourself! All-natural body products for men and women include soaps, shampoo and shaving bars. Specialty herbal products are also available: teas, honey, salves, tinctures, infused oils, gels, body scrubs, mineral sea soaks to name a few.

Delicious delights from our specialty exhibitors will be hard to resist. For starters on the list we have organic beef and mouthwatering sausages. You will also want to compliment your holiday spread with Snowdon House’s hearty soup mixes, cheese pate blends and “delicious” dips!

Organic Herbal Tea Blends from Infuse Herbals will sure to warm you on a chilly day. We have jams, jellies, marmalades, handmade crackers and spiced nuts to add to your appy trays. Singing Bowl Granola will have tasty granola and porridges. You will also find salsas for any diet, culinary infusions and blends, homemade hot sauce for every taste.

Holiday sweets are also a must! Bring home some Christmas puddings, Bake my Day’s gourmet and gluten-free baking is always a favorite You can also fill someone’s stocking with some organic fudge and specialty candies.

And for Fido you will find bedding and accessories, even doggie biscuit greeting cards!

The Dickens Fair is a destination for all ages. Children and adults alike will love meeting the Chicken Lady’s wonderful feathered friends. These amazing birds love attention and are counting on you to bring it. We were told, “Don’t count your chickens”…but do count on these chickens to put smiles on everyone’s face!

The James Bay Community School PAC committee will be coordinating the craft area and will also have a booth set up at our fair, come out and support those amazing people who do so much for the children.

There is so much to explore and discover with our quality local artisans, bakers, and makers. All of this and more are happening on Saturday, December 5 from 10am to 5pm at the James Bay Community Center in the heart of James Bay located at 140 Oswego Street. There will be an ATM on site for your convenience. Come in out of the cold and visit the Dickens Fair, a wonderful way to spend the day with family and friends. Let us awaken your senses while you shop, eat, play, and enjoy the best the holiday season has to offer.