First Parish of Westwood Christmas Fair Reimagined Outside,Online

In a year of uncertainty and unchartered territory, one thing that continues locally is First Parish of Westwood's annual tradition of hosting a celebratory Christmas and fundraising event in December. Once again, First Parish of Westwood is inviting the community to shop locally for the holidays, but this year its offerings are both online now and outdoors this weekend. The outdoor Christmas Wreaths & More drive-through shopping event will be held Saturday, December 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on church grounds.

First Parish finds itself pivoting from its normal fair set-up to a new arrangement that provides shoppers and staffers as safe and contactless an experience as possible, while continuing its longstanding community tradition. As in past years, fresh, decorative wreaths are again available for purchase the first Saturday in December. But this year, the church has also made preordered wreaths available through its website. It has also converted its fair to a more streamlined outdoor, drive-through shopping experience. Drivers will be directed to a wall of wreaths that will be set up to enable viewing form the comfort of their cars. The church plans to have masked staffers outside to assist with viewing and purchases. The church will also host an outdoor Christmas tree sale by Boy Scout Troop 1 Islington.

Other items that will be familiar from previous years include handmade children's knitted hats and sweaters, handmade holiday decor, and a silent auction. This year, however, all these items will be available for shopping online instead of in person. Click here to shop for handmade items. Email registerfirstparish@gmail.com to participate in the online Silent Auction. Bidding on Silent Auction items closes Saturday, December 5th at 1 p.m. Registration is free. The designated time for picking up silent auction items is between 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For all other online shopping items, the pickup time is between noon to 3 p.m.

While event organizers decided to forgo the traditional luncheon and Cookie Walk baked goods sale this year, they still hope to incorporate the sweet sights and smells of the season with a new Gingerbread House Building Contest, open to all. From now through December 5 at 3 p.m., the church is inviting interested participants of any age and from any location to submit up to three photos of their gingerbread house creation to the First Parish of Westwood Facebook page. Judging will be virtual and winners will receive a prize. It is event organizers' hope that this new offering will be a fun, spirit-filled activity for those looking for ways to entertain themselves at home.

Event organizers advise that because changes can be unexpected, interested participants should periodically check First Parish of Westwood website and Facebook page for any updates to this event, including a possible rain date.

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