Christmas at the Brook Comes Early This Year

Come explore one-of-kind, handmade treasures and enjoy a festive and fun day by taking part in the time honored tradition of the New England Craft Fair- Christmas at the Brook. The fair this year is a week earlier due to the observance of Veteran's Day falling on the second Saturday of November - which is typically when the fair is held.

The fair is hosted by Brookside Congregational Church located on 2013 Elm St. in Manchester's North End. It will open on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9:00 a.m. and will stay open until 4:00 p.m.

Christmas at the Brook will present more than 45 vendors featuring New Hampshire-made jewelry artisans, cards, books by local authors, handmade soaps, balms and lotions; painted glassware, alpaca wool scarves, hand-knit mittens and hats, ornaments, bags and purses, dog treats and pet toys, and so much more.

In addition to shopping, fair-goers can fill a container with their favorite varieties of fresh baked cookies in the Cookie Walk and also hit the bake sale featuring Brookside's sought after apple and pecan pies, homemade jams, quick breads, brownies, and many other delicious sweet and savory items. Gluten free options will be available.

Santa Claus will make appearances throughout the day and face painting will be a highlight for kids.

Visitors can sit back and enjoy a soul-warming bowl of soup or chili and fresh bread. Vegetarian options can be enjoyed and containers available for take out.

One dollar admission to the fair buys visitors their first raffle ticket for a chance to win some of the most impressive raffle baskets of the season.

The Brookside Thrift Shop will be open during fair hours and will have a special Christmas at the Brook sale.

Proceeds from the fair directly benefit the Brookside Congregational Church. More information is available at: http://brooksidecc.info/christmas-at-the-brook-craft-fair/.

About Brookside Congregational Church
Brookside is an open and affirming congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person. The church invites everyone to join in the common life and mission of reconciling community through participation and leadership in its congregation, and by fully sharing in the worship, rites and sacraments of the church. Brookside Congregational Church is a member of the United Church of Christ, the Hillsborough Association, the NH Conference, and United Church of Christ. For more information please visit http://www.brooksidecc.org.

Community Outreach
Brookside Congregational Church has a tremendous impact on the Greater Manchester community as it provides not only a place of Sunday worship for parishioners, but it also provides a common location for numerous local nonprofits and community organizations to gather on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. The mission of Brookside is community-focused. In keeping with its mission, the Church is utilized by over 30 organizations in the Manchester area. The groups that use the Brookside buildings include support groups for alcoholics, overeaters, girl scouts, grief counseling, a community garden for refugee immigrants and neighbors of Brookside, the local food pantry, and various other services including a parish nursing program and local theater group. In addition, two small congregations meet weekly in Brookside’s chapel and the Church is also home to Pastoral Counseling Services and a thrift shop that caters to the community.

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