The semiannual Augusta Handmade Fair returns Saturday with the most vendors ever
“We’re always adding new vendors,” said Claire Riche, one of the event coordinators.
About 70 vendors, including some returning ones, will be at the fair selling a variety of goods such as art, soaps, jewelry, pottery, leather goods, clothing and accessories. The event is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. at Redemption Church, 930 Broad St.
Artists Jason Craig, Jacob Boland, billy s and Dawn Cardona will be featured as well.
The fair has been held for several years and this is the 14th one. Organizers took some time off during COVID.
“It has a three-fold purpose,” Riche said.
Held at Redemption Church, the event draws people to downtown Augusta highlighting the area; it supports the small business of the artisans, and it raises money for Sojourn Church in Kampala, Uganda.
Sojourn ministers to those living in impoverished areas of Uganda often doing the dirty work such as picking up garbage and cleaning out sewerage trenches, Riche said.
A letter from the pastor of the Ugandan church is posted on the website detailing where some of the funds have gone. Money has been used to help children go to school and to enable families to come off the streets and have a place to live.
A single day fair occurs each spring with a two-day event in the fall. Vendors pay a space fee and some donate to the cause in addition to the fee. Also, there are sponsors who donate.
Riche estimates the fairs generate about $10,000 annually.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the publisher of Augusta Good News. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
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