Submitted by First Parish, Unitarian Universalist
Early on Saturday, May 14 Bedford Common will be abuzz with activity as dozens of volunteers put the final touches on the 63rd Annual First Parish Plant & Craft Fair. They’ll be checking the plant area, helping the crafters unload their wares, listening to Bob Tyler on jazz sax, and serving morning coffee and donuts the customers waiting in line for the Fair to open when the clock strikes 10.
The annual Plant & Craft Fair is both a fundraiser that supports the work of First Parish, Unitarian Universalist in the community, and a terrific community event for the whole family.
On Offer in the Plant Area
- Grocery Garden: You’ll find tomato plants and herbs along with veggie six-paks from Stillman’s Farm – familiar if you have visited them at the Lexington Farmers’ Market (and returning with fresh produce when the market opens for the season later this month).
- Hearty Annuals: Grown locally, they’re the freshest you can find. They are perfect as bedding plants, or in a stunning container arrangement.
- Heritage Perennials: The fair features a wide selection of heritage perennials from members’ gardens and specialty annuals, along with hearty, locally-grown nursery annuals and perennials. At least one well-regarded Bedford gardener has potted up more than 100 plant divisions from his beds. And there will be perennials from Joe Pye Weed Gardens in Carlisle, grown by Jan Sacks and Marty Schaefer, whose mother Eva was among the fair’s founders.
- Good Garden Goods: A curated selection of garden décor and small hand tools – no large garden implements, or standard clay/plastic pots. What might you find? A troll or a pink flamingo. Maybe a wind chime? A plant stand, solar lights or even a hummingbird feeder could be among the treasures. If you have something to share, please email [email protected] to make arrangements.
Special Guests
Girl Scout Pollinator Project: The Girl Scouts from Bedford’s Troop 85197 will bring their Pollinator Project to the Fair this year, with a selection of native plants. Their project is focused both on creating plant habitats welcoming to honey bees as well as working to clear the overgrowth of invasive weeds from the garden that the late Mimi Adler planted at the edge of Fawn Lake.
Other Highlights
- Artisans and Crafters: More than 4 dozen artisans and craft are bringing their wares and hoping to enchant you – Check the list! A selection of First Parish Artisans will also display their work under the aegis of the church’s Gallery Committee.
- Bedford’s 4-H Club Petting Zoo: Returning for another year, animals from Chip-in Farm will be at the fair to enchant young and old alike.
- Face Painting: Lisa Rubin and members of the Junior and Senior Youth Groups will offer face painting.
- Vintage books and Free Trade goods: John Gibbons will vend a collection of used books, and George Epple will offer a selection of Free Trade products, including coffee and chocolate.
Come early for the best plants and stay on the Common to peruse the crafts and enjoy the day.
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