By Michele Taranto

It has been 29 years, going into its 30th, and Norwood’s Craft Affair is still incredibly popular with vendors and shoppers! This shouldn’t come as any surprise to local residents who have attended other Norwood events; this town always strives for spectacular!

On Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Norwood High School (NHS), over 90 vendors throughout New England will showcase their items and crafting fans will fill the gymnasium for a favored fall shopping escape. 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, and gift certificates. There is also a bake sale, a complimentary kids’ craft corner, and the NHS Friendship Club will be selling their hand-painted pumpkins.

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 and local organizations. In earlier years, The Craft Affair at Norwood would yield approximately $10,000 in profits, however, according to organizer Michele Hsu those numbers have significantly increased. 

“Our profits have trended up, $15-18k over the past couple of years,” Hsu said. “We are still donating an average of $5000 to Post Prom each year and our team/group donations are up from the $300, but vary based on teams needs and/or their contributions to the event.    

By contributions, this is where Norwood’s Craft Affair for vendors stands out from others. 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 arrive 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. 

“Not only do the vendors love this service, but they ALL have great things to say about the students, consistently,” Hsu said. “Our NHS kids are reputed for being kind and helpful, and I’ve gotten the comment from quite a few vendors about how surprising it is to see teens smiling at 6 a.m. In addition to the help that they provide the vendors, the students help to run the raffle tables and provide support wherever needed to keep the fair running smoothly throughout the day. Working with them is my absolute favorite part of the event.”

What is considered one of the leading craft fairs in the area, ‘The 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. Tickets are $5 for adults, $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!