Canton’s Countdown to Christmas set for Weekend

Hopefully Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday haven’t left you devoid of funds or holiday spirit because this weekend several local organizations are offering crafts, baked goods and even a visit from Santa to benefit educational efforts.

“Canton’s Countdown to Christmas” on Dec. 1 includes a Candy Cane Carnival at Trinity Nursery School, Gingerbread Fair at St. Patrick Church, Canton Dollars for Scholars Craft Fair at Canton High School and Gallery of Trees at the Canton Historical Museum. Admission and parking are free at all events.

The third annual Canton Dollars for Scholars Craft Fair, featuring 50 crafters, takes place from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. at Canton High School. It also features hot soups and the "Scholars Lunch" Special and a student-run food drive . The Canton Student Council students will partner with help the organization run the event, which contributes to several scholarship efforts. "Bring the family and finish your Christmas Shopping,” said Pat Maloy. “Dollars for Scholars awards scholarships for academic and technical schools. Help us help our kids succeed. We would like to thank the CHS students, CHS maintenance, the Canton Board of Education and our community for their support.”

The Gingerbread Fair at St. Patrick Church, 5 Burlington Ave., Collinsville, will run from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday Dec 1 and 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday Dec 2.  Available for purchase will be themed gift baskets and craft items, made or assembled by members of the parish.

The cafe will also be open during the entire fair for lunch or snacks. 

“Our special feature, of course, is home made gingerbread,” said organizer Lori Kluessendorf.  “This is an annual event to raise money for scholarships. “

Trinity Nursery School's annual Candy Cane Carnival has been preschool tradition for nearly 50 years. The Carnival is a major fund raising event for the school, featuring photos with Santa, games, a craft boutique, story time, candy cane cafe, bake sale, and an extensive tea cup raffle and silent auction.  Proceeds are used to purchase equipment and supplies for the school, keeping tuition down and making preschool more accessible for local families.

"The Candy Cane Carnival is an event for all ages and there is something for everyone. It is a holiday season tradition for many families in the community and it is truly a fun experience, said event chairwoman Kim Falconer. “This year we have received some extremely generous donations from local businesses and families.

The Candy Cane Carnival is located at 55 River Road in Collinsville, Saturday Dec. 1, 2012 from 9 am to 1. Snow date is Sunday Dec. 2, 2012 from 2 to 5 pm.  

The Canton Historical Museum’s Gallery of Trees will also be on display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission to the Museum is free and patrons can bid on the hand-decorated trees and support the museum’s building fund. See more here.