Thomas Haney Secondary’s annual craft fair is back this weekend (Nov. 23 and 24) with the addition of a new food truck festival, a student-run cafe, and a raffle.
The Thomas Haney Happening Arts & Crafts Fair is completely student-led and funds collected go back to the school community.
Last year, the craft fair team was able to donate $2,500 in student scholarships, $10,000 to the tech department for new equipment, $2,000 to the gardening club to replace some power tools, and a new set of storage bins and an event cart to the student council.
“Everyone that attends the craft fair isn’t only supporting a community event and supporting our school, but they’re supporting crafters and small businesses from across B.C.,” said Reece Reichelt, coordinator of the event and president of the school’s student council.
“Now, more than ever, it’s especially important to be supporting these businesses and making the switch to buying locally.”
There will be more than 120 vendors this year, selling items like art, jewellery, candles, hand-crafted soaps, clothing, decorations, and lots of food. The new food truck festival will feature more than six vendors with treats including mini donuts, rolled ice cream, burgers, milkshakes, chilaquiles and tacos.
The Thomas Haney culinary program will be hosting a cafe with a dining and seating area available for guests. Their menu will feature soups, paninis, pastries and coffee.
Students will also be selling raffle tickets for products vendors have donated to the fair.
Shoppers can buy craft fair bags made from recycled materials or canvas tote bags designed by local Indigenous artists to put their purchases in.
Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and free for kids 12 and under. Childcare is available by donation.
The two-day fair runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 23 and 24, 2024, at Thomas Haney Secondary (23000 116 Ave, Maple Ridge, B.C.).
