After last year’s final Gathering of Artists, Sue Barnett and others who have enjoyed the event over the years realized there would be a big void left in the kick-off to the holiday season on the eastside. The Gathering was more than an artisan’s bazaar — it was an event that brought neighbors together for a relaxed shopping experience before the hectic pace of the holidays began. Determined that the east side would not lose one of their traditions, the Irvington Historical Society marshalled their forces and created the Holiday Fair, which will run November 17 from 5-9 p.m. ($5 admission which includes hors d’oeuvres by Mia’s Specialties, formerly Dufour’s in Irvington), and November 18 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (free admission, and cash lunch by Mia’s). The Fair will be held at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 University Ave.
This year, over 20 artisans and craftspeople will participate, including Adele Schluge’s famous art, Redux Jewelry, Indy AMANI, handcrafted soaps, and many other gift items. In addition, there will be a book signing of Blessings in Our Soup: Recipes and Memoirs from Dufour’s in Irvington. The book will be a keeper, full of recipes from the kitchen of Dufour’s — Bernadette and Maria were early believers in Historic Irvington’s commercial prospects, and were instrumental in helping the East Washington commercial district get established. Although their restaurant closed in 2016, many have very fond memories of their delicious pastries, breakfasts, and lunches. The book will give readers an inside scoop on how they were created.
In addition to the Irvington Historical Society’s Holiday Fair, several other holiday-related sales and events will be taking place at the same time. The Benton House Holiday Bazaar, 312 S. Downey Ave., will be held November 17 from 5-8 p.m. and November 18 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The traditional holiday bazaar is an opportunity to purchase items from local vendors as well as appreciate the historic home.
Irvington United Methodist Church will hold its 2nd Annual Craft Sale in Fellowship Hall, 30 N. Audubon on November 18 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The sale will feature hostess gifts, upcycled and handcrafted items and much more. Proceeds go to maintain the historic church. Also, check out the Indy Cloth Dollmakers Show and Sale in the parlor of the church from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. This is a great exhibition of handcrafted dolls, fabric figures, and mixed media sculptures. The artists will be selling dolls, figures, jewelry, accessories, and gifts.
Before the holiday rush begins, shop local for unique gifts!
