Christmas at the Brook Returns to the North End

Be the envy of gift givers everywhere 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 is Saturday, Nov. 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Brookside Congregational Church on 2013 Elm St. in Manchester's North End

"We would like to thank the sponsors and organizations that made donations to Christmas at the Brook this year," said Becky Boisvert, of Brookside Congregational Church. "Please come out and shop the local crafters and artisans, enjoy the event, and support our community."

Christmas at the Brook has grown to more than 40 vendors featuring New Hampshire-made jewelry artisans, wagon-wheel rugs, hand-knit mittens and hats, quilts, blown glass, dolls, handmade toys, home and holiday decor, cards, soaps, cosmetics, wooden items, pottery, books, 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.

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 value of the baskets start at $100 and go up. Some of the themes of the baskets this year include: American Girl Doll, Angela’s Pasta and Cheese Shop, Dinner and a Show, Legos, Power Tools, Hockey Enthusiast, Stonewall Kitchen, Craft Beer, Boston Pops, among others.

There will be a holiday portrait studio set up for families to get their holiday cards ready in plenty of time this year. Santa Claus will be available throughout the day and face painting will also be a highlight for kids.

Visitors can sit back and enjoy a soul-warming bowl of soup or chili and fresh bread. Vegetarian options will be available. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Brookside Thrift Shop will be open during fair hours and will have a special Christmas at the Brook sale: spend $10 and get $2 off.

Sponsors of the 2016 Christmas at the Brook are: Angela’s Pasta and Cheese Shop, Bank of New Hampshire, Central Paper, FW Webb, G2P Giuliano Pro Performance, Kanteres Real Estate, MASI Plumbing & Heating, Pastoral Counseling Services, Pinnacle Mortgage Corp., The Puritan Backroom, Rapson Real Estate, Sir Speedy, and Jim Trombly Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling.

Donations were also made by: 26th on Hanover, Abigail's Bakery, AE Roastery, Custom Dry Cleaners, Granite State Candy Shoppe, Ignite Bar & Grille, Jacques Flower Shop, The Kitchen, and Michelle’s Pastries & Deli.

Proceeds from the fair 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.