Interview with Michelle Thibault, Event Founder
When Michelle contacted me to set up this interview, I thought that doing an article on the Essex Holiday Fair would be the perfect way to restart the Why Essex? column that has been on hiatus since the birth of my daughter in August. Last December, Michelle and I had worked together on an article for the Holiday Fair, and I was interested in chatting with her to see what was new with the event this year-not to mention to get gift ideas for all those Christmas presents that I am behind on buying.
For those of you who are just tuning in, the Essex Holiday Fair is one of the largest holiday craft fairs in the area, with over one-hundred different vendors to choose from. Best of all, the money raised is all for a good cause. Michelle was excited to report that last year’s event raised $4,200 for the American Cancer Society.
Here is what is new at the Holiday Fair this year: the full vendor list is available online. This means that shoppers can peruse some of what will be available at the Holiday Fair from home in their PJs. A food menu is also available online. Some of the options include mac n cheese, butternut squash soup, six varieties of grilled cheese, and pulled pork.
Here is what is not new at the Holiday Fair this year: it is still a great place to shop for a good cause. According to one recent review, “[The Essex Holiday Fair is a] Great place to do your Christmas shopping done while supporting local business people AND raising money for the ACS.” Santa will also be greeting children (and children at heart) from 11 AM-2 PM this year.
The Essex Holiday Fair is happening on Saturday, December 7 from 10 AM - 3 PM at Essex High School. Read more about the event on Facebook or on the web. In her day job, Michelle is a marketing maven for a local firm and puts her talents to use making the Facebook page a year-round event resource. So, stop by the Holiday Fair, grab some Christmas presents, visit with Santa, eat a grilled cheese and have a great time!
Why Essex? “Essex is who I am. It is where I grew up, and I believe that it is an extraordinary community.” –Michelle Thibault
Why Essex? is a weekly(ish) column highlighting the people and places that make Essex an interesting and special place. Have an idea for the column? E-mail Darby Mayville at darby@essexjunction.org.
Photo Credits: Michelle Thibault