The Christmas Fair hosted by The Christmas Fund has become a much-loved fixture on the North Coast calendar. This year, the team is hitting refresh, and transforming into the newly-branded Fair with Flair.
Back in 1952, a local nurse was appointed to cover a large district, but could not afford a vehicle. Driven by a desire to help, a group of women got together to raise funds to buy her a car. They hosted a fair at the Stanger town hall where they sold handcrafted items and homegrown fruits and vegetables – the event was a great success, raising more than they needed. Over time, the initiative grew, with the fair becoming an annual event and the Christmas Fair Fund raising money for worthy causes year after year.
Now, 71 years later and still going strong, the Fair with Flair is moving to an elegant new venue at The Manor House and taking on a fresh look. The fair, which is still run by volunteers from the North Coast community, will showcase a range of South African creatives, designers, makers, artists and foodies. “The motivation for this move was simply to stay ahead of trends and ensure the continued success in being able to support the Christmas Fund initiatives,” explains Michelle Blake, the project coordinator.
The creative team behind the event have already set up a workshop at Karibu Nursery. Michelle encourages women in the community to join the team in creating and making festive products that will be sold at the fair. “We have partnered with a local designer with a signature fabric as the basis to this year’s fresh contemporary design, which will be rolled out in four different festive themes,” says Michelle. “We cannot wait to share as our story board expands!”
WHAT TO EXPECT
The event will run from 26-28 October at The Manor House.
Festive creative demonstrations and workshops will run on 27 October. Workshops will include:
• Contemporary Wreath Making
• Clay Christmas Decorations
• Festive Menu
• Contemporary and Traditional Festive Table Settings
• Gifting
28 October is Family Day. A rugby marquee will be set up for families to enjoy the Rugby World Cup, and artisanal boerie rolls and craft beer will be available. There’ll also be creative workshops for children to keep the little ones busy.
Applications for vendors close on 31 August.
Details: www.fairwithflair.co.za, tickets are available on www.quicket.co.za
