The Clarkston Community Center Announces Fall Arts & Craft Fair And Chili Cook-Off, Nov. 19

The Clarkston Community Center will present two new fundraising events on Saturday, Nov. 19 beginning at noon. The Fall Arts & Crafts Fair and Chili Cook-Off will combine beautiful hand-made items with a tasty sampling of chili provided by businesses, restaurants, caterers and individual cooks. The Arts & Crafts Fair will begin at noon, and will feature jewelry, accessories, home décor and gift items created by international artisans, many of whom live in Clarkston. At 2 p.m., doors will open into the Center’s Angora Hall where ticket holders can sample various chili recipes, enjoy live music and win raffle prizes from 2-5 p.m. Members of the Atlanta Silverbacks professional soccer team, including Goalkeeper Ameth Kante and Forward Momodou Jallow, will sign autographs and take pictures with attendees. The chili will be judged and prizes awarded. Sponsors include BB&T and Drew Fincher of State Farm.

There is no charge to attend the Arts & Crafts Fair, but tickets are required for the Chili Cook-Off. Adult tickets purchased before Nov. 10 are $10, and $20 if purchased after Nov. 10. Student tickets (age 12-18) are $10. Children under 12 will be admitted for free. Tickets may be purchased online at www.clarkstoncommunitycenter.org or at the Center, located at 3701 College Ave. in Clarkston.

Proceeds from the day’s events will benefit the Center, which serves over 40,000 people annually through educational offerings, recreational programs and community building. Those interested in participating in the Arts & Crafts Fair and/or competing in the Chili Cook-Off must register in advance and purchase a table to participate.

“Many residents of Clarkston have relocated to DeKalb County from around the world, bringing with them their culture and their native arts and crafts. We thought it would be interesting to combine this international artistic showcase with the very Southern tradition of a chili cook-off. The day will literally be a blending of cultures and flavors, and should be a lot of fun,” said Cindy Bowden, executive director of the Clarkston Community Center. “I hope the local business community will generously support this event and families from all over the metro area will attend.”

About Clarkston Community Center

Established in 1994 and headquartered in the beautifully renovated former Clarkston High School building at 3701 College Ave., Clarkston, Ga., 30021, the Clarkston Community Center offers programs for children, teens, adults and seniors, centered around art, recreation and community building. The Center serves over 40,000 individuals annually, primarily from Clarkston and greater DeKalb County, Ga., many of whom have immigrated to the United States or are newly-arrived refugees. In addition to the headquarters building, the Clarkston Community Center includes an activity field for sports and recreation, acreage for a planned community garden and an additional structure for future development. Angora Hall, the Center’s renovated auditorium and stage, is available for public rental for parties, weddings and other special events. A new fundraising program, Friends of Clarkston Community Center, offers individuals the opportunity to financially support the work of the Center. www.clarkstoncommunitycenter.org