12-04-2022 12:01am

Photo Gallery: Westwood's Christmas Fairs Open the Winter Holiday Season

Darlene Cancell Editor

Photo by Darlene Wong Cancell. Christmas decor and ornaments were on display for sale at the First Baptist Church Holly Fair.

This Saturday saw the return of the Holly Fair at First Baptist Church in Westwood, after a three-year hiatus, and the annual First Parish of Westwood Christmas Fair. Despite gray skies and rain, the vibe was upbeat and busy at both locations. Foot-traffic appeared healthy and was neither overcrowded nor sparse. Here's a look, below in photos, at the day's activities.

First Baptist Church Holly Fair

"Good Goods" at the First Baptist Church is a new offering which replaces the church's silent auction. Instead of bidding, participants in Good Goods can simply purchase at a good deal what would have been offered in another year as an auction item. Goods included hand-crocheted blankets and gift baskets with themes of "Furry Feline" containing cat toys and cat care items and "Chocolate Bliss" with chocolates.

Tyler Forgeron (right) of Tyler Can, whom Westwood Minute profiled in August this year, had the help of a friend in offering items for sale to support local charities. Mr. Forgeron has made tens of thousands of dollars for charities through effort such this along with redeeming thousands of recyclable cans and bottles.

A traditional corner of the fair, Attic Treasures, offered used goods at bargain prices.

Westwood artist Carol Ahearn offered paintings for sale, including old shutters from the church that have been repurposed into painted, decorative works of art. A portion of the proceeds from shutter sales will be donated to the Boston-based non-profit organization Sunflower of Peace Foundation (www.sunflowerofpeace.com) whose current mission is to support the people of Ukraine.

Visitors relaxed at tables near the kitchen where lunch items including hot dogs and chili were being sold.

First Parish Christmas Fair

The First Parish silent auction offered over thirty items of a wide ranging variety, from items donated by local businesses, such as gift cards from Shear Illusions and Dunkin' and gift baskets from Starbucks, to vacation getaways and tickets to Patriots and Celtics games, donated by members of the congregation and friends in the community.

Food offerings from the kitchen included chili and clam chowder.

Westwood Community Chest co-president Kristin Styer chatted to visitors about her organization's plans to help the community light up the town on December 11th's Luminary Night, while she sold luminary kits for the event.

An offering of hand-knitted hats and children's sweaters, created by members of the community, made their annual return to the fair.

National Honor students from Westwood High School joined with adults in volunteering their time to staff the fair by selling ornaments and home-baked holiday cookies.