By Lisa Carolin
Chelsea was abuzz with activities Saturday, Dec.1, during Hometown Holiday weekend.
Among the many events going on in and around Chelsea was the Material Girls’ Christmas Bazaar at the Chelsea First United Methodist Church.
Many volunteers were on hand to assist kids ages 3 through sixth-grade to shop for presents that cost no more than $5. Janie Brooks, a member of the Material Girls leadership team, said that by midday there were 240 shoppers.
Volunteer Mitch Dickinson said, “I like that kids can come in and buy presents but don’t have to spend a lot of money.”
“It gives kids independence,” said his mom Tracy Dickinson, also a volunteer.
At St. Barnabas Church, a quilt display, craft and bake sale was underway.
“This is our quilt guild’s way to pay for charity quilts that St. Barnabas makes for veterans at the Chelsea Retirement Community,” said Kitty Jensen, a member of the St. Barnabas quilt guild.
Visitors were filling out tickets in hopes of being the winner of the free quilt giveaway.
At the Chelsea Fairgrounds service building, the 12th annual artisans’ show was drawing a crowd. There were folk paintings, textiles, jewelry, fresh Christmas greens and more created by local artists.
“This is an inexpensive venue for new artists and local talent,” said John Dusbiber, who along with his wife Marlene, helps run the event every year.
Meanwhile, at the First Congregational Church on East Middle Street, families were gathered for the annual Pam Radcliffe Gingerbread House Workshop.
“Pam Radcliffe would be so proud,” said Marcia White, Radcliffe’s cousin.
Candy, frosting, and gingerbread were abundant. Barb Jaynes, who started the workshop with Radcliffe 16 years ago, was offering her expertise at the event.
“The first year Pam and I sat there with hot glue guns and icing putting the houses together,” said Jaynes. “Now they come all put together. We started out with 50 houses and now we’re up to 125 gingerbread houses.”
There were lots more going on including Ballet Chelsea’s performance of The Nutcracker Saturday afternoon, the Chelsea Area Historical Society Holiday Home Tours and the annual Chelsea Light Parade in the evening.
Rick Taylor Real Estate – Reinhart Realtors sponsored the weekend full of events.
