At the Crafts Table, Rev. Jim Young was pitching containers of hand soaps "to wash your sins away."

Enjoying high spirits of the season

The success of the 2011 Jolly Snowman Christmas Fair can be measured in many ways. But perhaps none is better than this: With an hour still remaining before the fair closed, the kitchen had sold out of lobster rolls and hot dogs.

Bon appetit, fairgoers!

On a day of sunny skies and mild temperatures, the Cape and surrounding communities turned out in large numbers for the Cape Elizabeth UMC’s largest fund-raising event of the year.

The Candy Table did a steady business throughout the day.

There were candies and crafts, cookies and pies, wreaths and handmade sweaters, fudge and a room full of hidden treasures. There were tables filled with jewelry, stained glass, get-away weekends, carpentry services, and a wide range of other special gifts for the silent auction. And, of course, there was the lobster roll luncheon at which all 72 lobster rolls were eaten with a high degree of satisfaction.

The Silent Auction drew plenty of attention for a range of items.

Audrey Jordan was busy throughout the day selling Christmas wreaths, a total of more than 70 by the end of the day. Jaymie Chamberlin and a band of helpers kept the baked goods and food table stocked with enticing treats while Gail Parker and Rev. Marilyn Robb did the same with the Candy Table.

Will and Eliza Green enjoyed some candy treats.

Rev. Jim Young was one of the pitchmen for the Crafts Table and selling containers of small hand soaps was his specialty. “If you purchase one of these,” he told potential buyers, “they can wash your sins away.” He had some buyers.

Ayn Allmendinger and Jaymie Chamberlin bring out more treats for the Baked Goods table.

 As with every Jolly Snowman Fair, the real success of the day was the volunteers who set up, prepared presentations, sold, counted, and most importantly, offered fellowship whenever possible.

And, of course, it all would not have been possible if it hadn’t been for the planning of fair organizer Stephen Bither. Thank you, Stephen!

The season has begun — and the spirit is very much alive.

Click here for more images of the fair: