DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a question for you. Can you tell us the difference between Maine Crafters and United Maine Crafters? We don’t seem to see the difference when we attend craft shows. Do you know if a craft fair is coming up for either one? Enjoy this column very much. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots did not find United Maine Crafters online, although she did come across www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com (based in Manchester, according to the website), as well as www.mainecraftsmen.org (which led her back to the site for United Maine Craftsman).

She also came across www.mainecrafts.org (which is the site for the Maine Crafts Association with offices in Dover-Foxcroft and the Center for Maine Crafts in Gardiner), as well as www.craftsinmaine.com, which appears to be a listing or forum for crafting groups and galleries. The site for www.mainecraftsguild.com invites attendance at their six shows.

Some groups appear to be more geared toward what Sun Spots thinks of as “art” as opposed to “crafts,” but she is not really qualified to judge. Sun Spots is one of only a handful of Maine women who totally lacks artistic and crafting talent of any kind, so she does not have any innate knowledge of the subject, only what she could find online. Perhaps a kind crafter will clarify and explain.

As for shows, United Maine Craftsmen’s next show is reasonably close by at the Augusta Civic Center on Nov. 13-14. Sun Spots cannot list all the shows, but many are announced on the community Connections page (usually Page B3). Sun Spots makes note of those that benefit local charities. You can also refer to the websites above. Your librarian can help you look them up if you don’t have a computer at home.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Oxford Congregational Church on King Street will hold its fifth annual indoor craft fair on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Area crafters will set up on the first floor along with a white elephant sale and Chinese auction. There will be a food sale featuring homemade lobster stew, corn chowder, sandwiches, pies and desserts.

Proceeds will benefit repairs and upkeep to the front of this 160-year-old church, which is on the historic registry. Please stop by or join us for worship Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. Thanks! — Anita Pateneaude, chairperson, 539-4611

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Oct. 9 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 74 Lake Auburn Ave., Auburn, we are having our annual fall sale. It will include baked goods, raffles, crafts, books, puzzles, stamps and many other items.

We are always thankful to Sun Spots for helping us, and many others.

We are also interested in any donations for our library of VHS tapes or DVDs that are no longer being used. This is a great pastime for the elderly and disabled. Call 782-5086. — Sue, Auburn

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Scarlet O’Hatters — Red Hatters with members locally — will have a bus tour to Bar Harbor on Monday, Sept. 27. We have extra seats and invite you and your friends to come. You don’t have to be a Red Hatter.

Bus fare is $45. Lunch, at your cost, will be at a restaurant in Ellsworth. After lunch we travel to Bar Harbor to visit local shops, and then we motor to Cadillac Mountain for viewing. The bus leaves at 7 a.m. at Exit 80 in Lewiston and will return at 7 p.m. If interested, call me at 353-2760. — Addie, Lisbon Falls

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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