By Michele Taranto

How popular is The Craft Affair in Norwood? Now in its 29th year, this highly visited fair’s vendor list was almost filled in July and had a waiting list just two months prior to its event date! As in most Norwood celebrations, this town springs for spectacular, and The Craft Affair of Norwood does not disappoint. This day brings together crafters and craft enthusiasts for one of the largest fall shopping experiences in the area! This year, The 29th Craft Affair of Norwood, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Norwood High School. 

Every October, the town of Norwood hosts a favorite fall shopping escape for crafting fans. The ‘Affair’ has grown to include approximately 80 crafters who travel to Norwood from all over New England to showcase their creative wares. The vendor list is so impressive, and includes: sewn, crocheted, and knitted pieces, there will be chocolate and honey, items for pets, jewelry, holiday decor, wreaths, stained glass, jams and jellies, mirrors, paintings, 3-tiered plates, bags, scarves, soap, wooden toys, painted glass, quilts, ornaments, hats and mittens, cards, plastic canvas, hand towels, hair bows, hen houses, ceramics, puzzle lights, decoupage plates and doll clothes, and much more! The huge assortments of raffles are always a popular corner with chances to win many handmade items, gift certificates, and everyone’s favorite, Mustang memorabilia!

This event, however, means a lot more than just a fun and successful shopping day. In addition to becoming one of the premier craft venues in the state, it is a very successful fundraiser for Norwood High School andlocal Norwood organizations. 

The Craft Affair concept was spearheaded by then Norwood High School teacher Margo Mancinelli in order to raise funds for the Post Prom party and other NHS programs. She recruited school organizations, friends, and volunteers from other schools and the community and the Craft Affair was born! Since then, the event has been a brilliant success and grown in reputation as one of the best craft fairs in the area!

In addition to its positive attendance figures, crafters enroll in ‘A Craft Affair’ because the day is truly a community event. Norwood teams, clubs, groups, and students offer their services, from preparing the gym the night before, teams arriving at 6 a.m. to assist crafters deliver items from their cars, to helping out throughout the day, including running raffles and bake sales. 

“Every year I hear how we are the only fair who does this and what a difference it makes to the crafters,” Craft Affair Coordinator Amy Campbell has previously stated.  “Last year, an older crafter who has been participating for years told me through tears that if it weren’t for their help, she would have had to withdraw from the fair.”

The Craft Affair yields approximately $10,000 each year in profits. The Post Prom Party receives $5,000, and depending on the year, roughly $300 is given to each of the groups that help make this event such a success, as well as the high school PTO.

While a large amount of the proceeds go towards the Post Prom Party, any Norwood group or team that has students helping at the craft fair is eligible to apply for funds for their club from the day’s profits. Past organizations have included, Norwood sports teams, the drama club, cheerleaders, SAAD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and the fine arts department after school programs.

What is considered one of the leading craft fairs in the area, ‘A Craft Affair’ at Norwood, sees roughly 1,000 customers walk through the door. With that kind of popularity, the craft fair is considered the largest Norwood High School fundraiser.

Admission is $4 for ages 13 to adult, $3 for seniors and children under 12 are free. Tickets available at the door the day of the event. Purchase hostess gifts and decorative items for the holidays, or come by and pick out something handmade and beautiful as a personal fall present!