WEST BRATTLEBORO — All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church hosts “Leap Into Spring,” on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Organizers describe it as “a multidimensional event for folks young and old, combining the sale of hand-crafted items typical of a church spring fair with a relaxing soup and sandwich lunch, and a free nature crafting area for children of all ages.”
There will also be art for sale from a variety of local artists, and a “buy it now, or order it fresh for Easter or Passover (or Earth Day)” sale of baked goods and homemade candy.
According to a news release, church members began planning soon after their most successful Christmas Bazaar in decades to create items with a spring theme. With Easter and Passover coming up the following weekend, they added items appropriate for those holidays as well as those celebrating spring.
There will be hand-made treasures to tuck into an Easter basket. For parents and grandparents who want to avoid giving plastic toys and artificially flavored candy, there will be alternatives such as hand felted masks, flowered headbands, jumping bunnies and lavender fudge, chocolate-coated marzipan Easter eggs, and spring-themed sugar cookies.
At 11 a.m., Cheryl Wilfong, a local author of several gardening books, will talk about spring gardening. She has written The Meditative Gardener, Garden Wisdom 365 Days, and The Real Dirt on Composting.
As Unitarians try to be as Green as possible, organizers say visitors will find items made from recycled materials including super-strong shopping bags, handy garden totes, and felted handbags and pouches. There are also home goods such as place mats, table runners, and napkins, washable for years of use.
Flowered wreaths using primarily natural materials (best hung away from sun and weather), spring-themed fabric art to hang on walls, Luna Lapin art dolls, earring hangers and other items created from scavenged and repurposed materials will be for sale.
Fashion accessories run from quilt pattern-themed earrings to hand-painted silk scarves, felted flower brooches, and all manner of things to brighten up an outfit ahead of summer.
The fair will include home-made soup, made-to-order tea sandwiches, and dessert (with attention to dietary restrictions) or just a cup of coffee or tea with a muffin. Lunch will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
So that the grownups have time to explore the fair, there will be a nature crafts area for children where birch bark, twigs, pine cones, and pebbles will offer just a start for imaginative creations.
And then there is the “Loving Hands, Warm Hearts Bake Sale.” Those wishing to serve absolutely fresh baked goods on the holiday weekend will have a choice of buying on the 13th or ordering for pick-up between noon and 5 p.m. on Friday, April 19.
Samples of the items for sale and pre-order will be offered. Both conventional flour and gluten-free “not too sweet” homemade hot cross buns will include home-candied fruit peel and various dried fruits.
There will be a “no leavening, no flour” macaroon chocolate cake (for Passover and the gluten-free folks), baklava, and a variety of cookies, muffins, cakes, and more. The bakers also use dairy-free chocolate in some products, so vegan options will be available.