This year, the 27th Bowen Island Community School Association (CSA) Christmas Craft Fair is shaping up to be as popular and busy as ever. With over 60 tables, the fair is a not-to-be missed event that is scheduled for Sunday, December. 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The theme is "Classic Christmas" to celebrate all of our favourite things!
Entertainment is part of this event, with the Morris Dancers will performing around noon, a roving Santa, and possibly even a Christmas Grinch. The Scouts will sell Christmas trees at the craft fair for the first time, and there are more youth vendors than ever before. The Bowen Island Community School Association encourages our community's youngest artisans and entrepreneurs by providing table space at no cost. For the craft fair, young participants get to practice crafting, marketing and math skills as well as having the opportunity to connect with people in the community as they sell their wares or raise funds for causes that they passionately support, such as the B.C. Children's Hospital. When you're at the Craft Fair, don't forget to visit the classroom beside the parking lot and see what youth vendors have for sale.
Vendors will be selling pottery,wreathes,jewelry, soap, art, knitting, weaving, Christmas cards, toys, baked goods, dried lavender, jam and much more. Most of the vendors are islanders or have island connections and some of the tables benefit non-profit organization and initiatives. Please bring cash and cheques, as only a few vendors have credit-card capability.
If possible, please take the bus, carpool or park off-site and walk to the school. There is over-flow parking on the shoulder of Mount Gardner Road, and at the Bowen Island Children's Centre.
If needed, we can hold your items at the front entrance until you are able to bring your car to the school for pick up. This service, along with all of the many components of the craft fair, are created by volunteers. If you are able to volunteer, we need help: fromputting up posters and decorating to helping serve coffee and lunches; check out the volunteer sign-up in the upper foyer atBICs or email our fabulous volunteer coordinator: KimEifler [email protected].
It is the Bowen Island Community School Association's mission to support BICS as the hub of community life by encouraging community development and life-long learning, leading to strong families, a healthier community and enhancement of the quality of life for all ages. The Christmas Craft Fair isthe main fundraiser of the year.All monies raised through table fees, donations, kitchen food sales and the raffle baskets are invested back into the community.Some examples of what the CSA supports includethe homework club (that provides a snack, resources and a safe place for students to work on school projects), further development of the Outdoor Learning Centre (foruse for BICS students and after schoolhours and weekend use for the community), sponsorship of the West Coast Symphony (next concert on Sunday, December 9, at 1 p.m.) and financial assistance in keepingBICS open for community use after school hours and on weekends.
