CHIMACUM — The Chimacum Arts and Crafts Fair, the longest running craft fair in Jefferson County, opens its doors Saturday to start its 33rd year.
The fair is this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chimacum High School located at 91 West Valley Road.
Admission will be $3, cash only. Students and children younger than school age will be admitted free.
A community portrait will open the fair. Photographer David Conklin will take the fifth annual community portrait at 9:50 a.m. Saturday.
Immediately after a ribbon-cutting ceremony will open the fair.
More than 100 vendors throughout Washington state are registered for the event, said event coordinator Daniel Milholland of Thunderbull Productions.
Profits will support filling unmet needs for students in East Jefferson County, the fair’s website said. Funds are primarily dedicated to groups and programs based in Chimacum, but occasionally funds are granted to programs based in Port Townsend, Quilcene and Brinnon.
Items for sale at the fair will include jewelry, textiles, apparel, ceramics, candles, woodwork, leather works and artisan foods, Milholland said.
“The fair showcases the spirit of Jefferson County, while raising money for Chimacum school programs, supporting the local makers’ economy, and providing a marketplace for youth and nonprofit program fundraisers,” Milholland said.
The fair was started in 1986 by Flavia and Terry Heineman, along with Carol West, as a fundraiser to help raise money for unmet needs at Chimacum High School.
In 2018, funds raised by the fair went to supporting Community Wellness Garden, the school’s library, the school’s soccer program, books for Chimacum High School’s Spanish class, Jefferson County 4-H after school program in Quilcene and Brinnon, the Cafe Breakfast program and many other school and community organizations in Chimacum and East Jefferson County, Milholland said.
Chimacum students will assist with the event throughout the weekend, with the girls basketball team helping vendors unload Saturday, the Interact Club hosting photos with Santa to raise money for Global Humanitarian efforts, the class of 2022 acting as “booth elves” (assistants) throughout the weekend, the drama department selling concessions and the high school band and choirs performing.
Other student groups are also hosting vendor tables to raise money specifically for their projects.
“The spirit of collaboration and inclusivity makes the fair a special and memorable experience for all students involved,” said Chris Alm, fair board member.
A full list of vendors can be found at chimacumarts.com.
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Jefferson County reporter Zach Jablonski can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 5, or at zjablonski@peninsuladailynews.com.
