RUMFORD — Rumford Elementary School will hold its 20th annual craft fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26.

Teacher Linda Howe said the fair started as an attempt by the PTO to raise money for the school.

“When the fundraiser first started, we only got a handful of people coming in to set up a booth,” she said. “Over the years, it grew and grew until it became what it is now. Lately, we’ve gotten more than 40 vendors who come in to sell their crafts. A lot of them are local people or elderly, retired individuals, who use the money as a supplement to help pay for health care. Others do it for fun.”

While residents are given the chance to showcase their arts and crafts, Howe said students have the chance to get involved as well.

“We get a lot of kids who create stuff that ends up being bought at these fairs,” Howe said. “It’s pretty cute to see their reaction when they hear someone bought their art. It’s a good experience for them.”

Howe said she will give a bouquet of flowers to residents Elizabeth Lane and Lola Crockett to recognize their 20th year at the fair.

“There’s a lot of people who have been at the craft fair for quite awhile, but these two women have been consistently here since the first year we started,” Howe said. “It’s just our way of recognizing them.”

In addition to the crafts, there will be a bake sale table, raffle items and refreshments available at the ABC Cafe.

“I think that the craft fair is a good way for the school to give back to the community,” Howe said. “It gives artists a venue to portray their art and gives them a little boost.”

mdaigle@sunjournal.com