Katie Connelly, our own Jolly Snowperson, was the fair's official greeter.

Bargains, fellowship, good eats

As if scripted by organizer Stephen Bither, a light blanket of snow greeted the opening of the Dec. 4 Jolly Snowman Christmas Fair, but by the time lobster rolls were served for lunch, the sun was out, a steady stream of cars filled the parking lot, and, to borrow the state’s slogan, it was life as it should be.

Who could argue that?

You also can’t argue with the bottom line of more than $6,800 raised for the church’s biggest fund-raising event of the year.

There were tables overflowing with candies, brownies, cakes, pies, cookies, and, of course, gingerbread. There were homemade Christmas ornaments, crafts, beautiful sweaters, scarves and mittens, a room full of attic treasures, and decorated wreaths that filled the chapel with the scents of pine.

And if that wasn’t enough, the silent auction brought out bidders for hand-crafted jewelry by Gary Beckwith, weekend get-aways to Sugarloaf, colorful stained glass, certificates for eating out, music players for staying in, and tables lined with enough unique offers to keep everyone guessing what the perfect, untouchable bids might be.

While not bidding or buying, there was plenty of fellowship between members of the congregation and the community, catching up on old and new news and wondering if the morning snow was a harbinger of weeks to come.

One piece of the newest news was Carol Hubbard and Rick Fontana introducing newborn Serafina to many well-wishers. Serafina was born just over a week ago.

Jolly Snowman 2010 was another success, thanks to Stephen’s many hours of planning and organization, Audrey Jordan’s wreaths, Laura Young Connelly’s silent auction, Brenda Simpson’s lobster rolls, Katie Connelly’s role as the Jolly Snowman greeter, the Hills and Linds serving hot cider and cookies, and the countless volunteers who worked on setting up, baking, selling, coordinating, and cleaning up. Thank you all!

Here are some images from this year’s Jolly Snowman Fair:

Laura Young Connelly assists with a question about the Silent Auction.

Sue Lind helps her mother, Ginny Jordan, to warm her hands on a container of hot cider.

Nancy Ricker tries on a head piece from the Attic Treasures room.

Jim Young and Terry Keezer help Carol Haider with an ornament purchase.

Carol Hubbard was the proud mother, showing off newborn Serafina.

Megan Connelly puts in a bid for a Silent Auction music player.

Rev. Ruth Morrison and Shirley Maxwell-Royall check out jewelry at the Silent Auction table.

Nancy Brown and her daughter were quick to buy tickets and support the Lobster Roll luncheon.

Brenda Simpson prepares lobster rolls while Jaymie Chamberlin tries a sample.

By noon, there were few seats remaining for the Lobster Roll luncheon.

Jane Beckwith had all the answers at the Knit Products table.

The chapel was filled with wreaths, decorated for the season.

The family is now four -- Rick Fontana, Carol Hubbard, Jasper and Serafina.

Kathie Hackett assisted with many holiday sales.

Joel and Nancy Marsden had help at the Candy Table from Marilyn Robb.