On display in the Gallery of Trees at the Canton Historical Museum. Photo: dotCANTON
Two events that have been part of past Christmas in Collinsville festivities are being moved this year. But if you find one, you’re likely to find the other: The Collinsville Holiday Craft Fair and the puppet show for kids will both be held in the old schoolhouse behind the Collinsville Congregational Church, 7 South St.
These and other activities are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 11, beginning 13 hours after opening night festivities conclude at 9 p.m. on Friday.
The craft fair runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and will feature about two dozen artists and artisans from around the Farmington Valley, according to event organizer Bethany Kendrick. Knitted items, jewelry, accessories for the hair, wreaths, hot sauces, lotions and candles will be among the items for sale, Kendrick said.
A tarot card reader and a representative from The Conduit Center, a meditation and relaxation destination in East Hartford, also are scheduled to be on hand.
Kendrick said 10 percent of craft fair sales, and all money from craft fair raffles and a sale of baked goods at the fair will go to Interval House, which provides services for victims of domestic violence. Kendrick said the fair also would be accepting canned goods and nonperishable items for the Canton Food Bank.
Puppet shows for kids are scheduled for the same old schoolhouse location at 1, 1:45 and 2:30 p.m.
Other Saturday activities in Collinsville include a visit by Santa to the Collinsville Savings Society, 136 Main St., from 12:30 to 3 p.m.; free horse-drawn carriage rides departing from the Canton Historical Museum from noon to 3 p.m.; and a “Make and Take Crafting Workshop” at River City Art Center, 7 River St., from 1 to 3 p.m.
Canton High School carolers will be caroling, and the historical museum’s Christmas boutique will be open, as will the Gallery of Trees at the museum.
Activities on Friday evening, Dec. 10, run from 6 to 9 p.m. and include a champagne walk that starts at Blumen Laden, 41 Bridge St., and continues on to other participating merchants in downtown Collinsville. Blumen Laden will provide a map that highlights those merchants, and walkers are invited to visit their shops and enjoy the food and beverages they will be offering (some will be providing nonalcoholic drinks).
Glass champagne flutes, now in their fourth year, will be available at Blumen Laden for $10.
As carolers stroll amid the luminaries on the downtown streets Friday evening, chestnuts will be roasting at Gallery 101 Main, and free horse-drawn carriage rides will be departing the Canton Historical Museum. Author David Leff will be on board with his historical insights.
The Gallery of Trees will be on display inside the museum, where visitors will be able to do a little shopping at the Christmas boutique.
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The Gifts for Canton drive continues on Saturday, Dec. 11, with “Stock the Cruiser” from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Shoppes at Farmington Valley. Visitors will be encouraged to stuff a Canton Police Department patrol car with gifts, gift certificates and nonperishable food items. The drive concludes on Sunday, Dec. 12.
– dotCANTON
