The Williamstown holiday craft and vendor fair takes place on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All week long, Williamstown Middle School Parent Teacher Organization (WMS PTO) volunteers and students worked feverishly to get ready for the holiday craft and vendor fair on Dec. 14.
“This is the second year that the WMS PTO has brought back the craft show after years of a hiatus, which was formerly held by staff at the school,” said the group’s executive board president Tara Nelms. “Without our five board members, we could not pull this event off, or any event.”
Nelms praised the efforts of vice president Melissa Lutz, treasurer Jessica Simpkins, secretary Alison Peters and events/dance coordinator Maria Spade.
“With the exception of a select few parents, most of the workload falls on the board members, so I am gracious to have these amazing women by my side to help do what we do for our school throughout the year,” Nelms noted. “From the moment this board formed over the summer, we started planning for this and how we could make it better than last year.”
Williamstown students are also lending a hand with the fair, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the middle school. The event will feature a large variety of products available for sale, with more than 100 crafters and vendors offering the likes of pet and 3D-printed gifts, crocheted and embroidered items and jewelry.
“Also, this event also could not go off without the incredible National Honor Society students of Williamstown High School and the National Junior Honor Society students of WMS,” Nelms explained. “They help to prepare the spaces the night before, decorate for themed areas and walk the crafters to their spots the day of, and to their cars at the end of the show.
“Throughout the event, they are utilized for many different tasks,” she added, “but they are responsible, kind, efficient and always a delight. We receive plenty of compliments, and love to convey those messages to their advisors.”
There will also be activities for students, including craft making crafts and visits to the WMS Holiday Shoppe. Young children will get the opportunity to meet Santa Claus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and tell him the three things they most want under the tree this year. The Holiday Shoppe will be open in the Media Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Inside, we also have school clubs and groups like WMS Band, SAVE Club and Art Club who participate and sell items to fund their trips or expenses for their specific clubs,” Nelms said, adding that two local businesses, Texas Roadhouse and Dave & Busters, will be present and often come with goodies. The businesses have partnered with the PTO for fundraisers throughout the year.
Food vendors will be located outside of the school entrance, including Humpty Dumpling, The Walking Taco, ACJ Concessions w/Kettle Corn and Cotton Candy and JR Hot Dogs.
“Proceeds from the craft show go directly back to the students and staff of WMS,” Nelms said. “The PTO provides donations and supplies to the staff and administration of WMS, prizes for grade level contests and dances and appreciation days and gifts for students and staff throughout the year. The group also funds the picnic and the dance for eighth graders each year.”
Door prizes donated by the crafters and vendors will be offered during the fair, and every adult who enters gets a chance to win. The PTO received its permit for a 50/50 and raffle that will produce 30 to 40 prizes.
“We are excited to add these two features to our day,” said Nelms, adding that she is grateful for the time, dedication and hard work put in by the parent volunteers and students to get ready for the fair.
To keep up with all WMS PTO events and information for the year, visit the website. It’s never too late for parents, family and staff to join the group, Nelms ensured.
