Christmas Fair Makes Early Return In Cheshire

From First Congregational Church of Cheshire

CHESHIRE, CT — The First Congregational Church of Cheshire is announcing the return of its annual Christmas Fair, which will be held earlier than usual this year due to the church’s 300th anniversary celebrations.

The Christmas Fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23 at the church. Free parking is available in the lot behind the church, which is located at 111 Church Drive in Cheshire.

The fair typically takes place on the first Saturday in December. However, it was moved back two weeks to avoid conflicting with a special celebratory weekend honoring the church’s tricentennial.

The fair allows visitors to get a wide variety of festive items for the holiday season, including:

• A cookie walk to pick your own selection of delicious treats baked by church members
• A gift basket raffle
• Handmade gifts and crafts
• Holiday decorations including centerpieces, poinsettias, and wreaths
• Homemade chocolates
• Jewelry and “Granny’s Attic” treasures

During the event, children can make their own Christmas craft and purchase $1 “treasure jars” containing a small gift. Food will be available for purchase at the fair, including the church’s famous Christmas corn chowder.

Visitors can also purchase the official 2024 Cheshire Commemorative Christmas ornament produced by Woodbury Pewter. Every year a landmark is chosen as the subject of the annual Cheshire ornament. In honor of the 300th anniversary of the church, this year’s ornament features First Church, along with the celebration theme “Rooted and Growing.” It is solid pewter and is being sold for $15.

The ornament is the latest in an ongoing series of 300th anniversary celebrations at the church, The church’s first meetinghouse was dedicated on Dec. 9, 1724; a replacement structure was built on the east side of the present day church green in 1737, and the current church was constructed in 1827. A full history of the church can be found here.

The church will conclude its tricentennial celebrations on the weekend of Dec. 6-8, with events including a party in the Parish Hall and a gala reception. The Sunday service on Dec. 8 will include the debut of a new celebratory hymn composed by Music Director Joseph D’Eugenio.

For more information about the First Congregational Church of Cheshire, visit firstcheshire.org.