‘Pottery, china, glassware, jewelry and fur coats’ in Kettering

Fairmont Presbyterian Art, Antiques and Craft Show is coming up.

You never know where you’ll find that unique gift for someone on your Christmas/holiday list this year. Church bazaars are always a great place to start.

Fairmont Presbyterian Church is hosting its sixth annual Art, Antiques and Craft Show on Saturday, Nov. 18, at the church, in Kettering.

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Carolyn Wimer has been a church member for the past 49 years. She is also the one who has organized the event that continues to grow every year.

“Some church members were all sitting around a table after service one Sunday. I was talking about how other churches were doing shows and it would be nice if we did something. And the others said, ‘OK, you’re in charge,’ ” said Wimer, a Kettering resident.

Clearly those around the table knew who would be good at organizing. The newly appointed chairman did such a fine job that first year, it has become an annual event. Charley Schuerholz will conduct a live auction at noon for a few select gifts including the following: two-nights stay at a cottage on Rocky Fork Lake, a ride in a vintage airplane, a wicker porch furniture set and a reupholstered antique divan.

There is also a Vintage Boutique featured. Among the larger items: an 1850s corner shelf from a plantation house in Kentucky, a cobbler’s bench and a puppet stage.

“The Vintage Room is for people wanting beautiful vases, linens and quilts that are much higher quality than garage sale items,” said Wimer. “And we have all kinds of pottery, china, glassware, jewelry and fur coats. It really is amazing.”

Park Avenue Antiques will be available throughout the day for appraisals. There is a limit of two items per person; cost is 6$ for one, and $10 for two. A raffle is planned for several themed gift baskets.

In addition, there will be a total of 34 vendors. The list of what’s available is impressive: repurposed furnishings/accessories, stained glass, antiques/collectibles, vintage jewelry, up-cycled and repurposed clothing, knitted wearables and purses, handmade teddybears, game boards and robots, homemade soaps/body lotions, and Christmas decorations and wreaths.

Vendors will offer English toffee, peanut brittle, jams/jellies, and homemade vanilla. The lunch menu features three types of homemade soups, and a variety of sandwiches. Homemade baked goods will be available for dessert.

“The gal in charge does a wonderful job. We give all our vendors free lunch and they’re all shocked that we do that,” said Wimer.

There were about 1,000 people who attended the show last year. An event this size requires a lot of volunteers. Wimer estimates 40 people are needed to make this event a success. Volunteers visit the vendors and offer to watch the booths if they need a break.

“It is a labor of love for Fairmont to both invite our community into our church, and in turn help those most in need,” said FPC Pastor Brian Maguire. “Last year this event alone earned $8,668 for local hunger causes, and this year we hope to raise even more to help the most vulnerable in the south Dayton area. At Fairmont we are committed to serving God by serving our community together.”

The proceeds from last year’s show were divided evenly among Kettering School’s Backpack Program, the South Dayton Food Bank, and the House of Bread. In addition, the Salvation Army receives most of the items that don’t sell.

Contact this contributing writer at PamDillon@woh.rr.com.

How to go

What: Art, Antiques and Craft Show

Where: Fairmont Presbyterian Church, 3705 Far Hills Ave., Kettering

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18

Cost: Free

More info: 937-299-3539 or www.fairmontchurch.org

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