There’s nothing like a fall fair or a Christmas craft fair to spur holiday ideas. And whether it’s held by a local church or a historical society, or a parent-teacher group, the mission is the same: The events provide fun for the shopper, who can see a variety of mostly handcrafted items, and in most cases, the event is a fundraiser for the organization hosting it, and they’re good for the small businessperson, who often takes tables at the seasonal fairs.

There were a few this weekend, and a slew more to come. Some feature cookie walks, where you buy a tin and fill it with an array of treats; some offer handcrafted jewelry and others knitted and crocheted items or a chance to win a handmade quilt.

Folks who attend say they’re part of the lead up to Christmas.

At. St. George’s Episcopal Church Hall in Sanford Saturday, folks could buy a hand-knitted Christmas ornament for $2, a raffle ticket for any one of a number of handsomely trimmed gift baskets filled with an array of merchandise, or peruse the Christmas decorations. There were tickets on offer for a handsome quilt handmade by Betsy Jane Reilly, and to further tempt the shopper, well, there were cookies and pies and cupcakes and more.

Janet Hobbs was in the church hall kitchen baking rolls to go with the lunch being prepared for the fair workers.

“I like to talk to the people who come in,” she said of the fair.

“I like it for the sense of community,” said AnnaLouise Waterson.

The fall fair is sponsored by St. Mary’s Guild, and has been going on longer than most folks associated with it now can remember.

“It’s great for the church to work together, and it’s a tradition,” said Karen Begin.

One shopper said she comes every year, usually making the round of this one and several more, with friends.

At Debra Fitts’ knitting table at Goodwin’s Mills United Methodist Church, Debbie Tanguay tried on a rooster hat, complete with a bright red comb.

“I usually do the yard sale here in the summer,” she said. Tanguay said she lives nearby, and so stopped to check out the wares.

One could buy scented candle products, handmade doll clothes, soaps and lotions made locally, Christmas-themed decorations and more.

And for weary shoppers, the Goodwin’s Mils United Methodist Church folks offered a homemade lunch for $5 ”“ beans and potato salad, or homemade chili, seafood chowder, made by a semi-retired professional chef, Roger Gustavson ”“ chock full of haddock, scallops and shrimp.

In Newfield, the historical society hosted a two-day fair, while Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Sanford hosted its own fair, too.

Here is a list of upcoming fairs:

Ӣ On Saturday, Nov. 15, Waterborough Historical Society hosts its annual Holiday Fair & Silent Auction, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Grange Hall, 31 West Road, South Waterboro. Crafters on two floors will offer a variety of items, and lunch will be available. The silent auction features items and gift cards donated by local merchants. Society merchandise of historical interest, including the 2014 pewter Christmas ornament depicting the Town House, will be available.

”¢ On Sunday, Nov. 16, The Harvest Vendor Fair is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Biddeford Eagles, 57 Birch St. Featured will be Scentsy, Arbonne, Avon, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Maine Coast Roast, jewelry and more. Proceeds benefit the In-A-Pinch non-food pantry at 35 South St., Biddeford. For more information, call 283-1258 or email [email protected].

Ӣ On Saturday, Nov. 22, a Christmas fair will be held at North Saco Congregational Church, at 131 Heath Road, Saco, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be crafts, a white elephant table, homemade baked goods and other items.

”¢ St. Augustine of Canterbury Church will also hold a Christmas fair and yard sale 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 in the church’s new home at the Grange Hall, 168 North St., Saco. Baked goods, a $1 table, a “New to You” table, ceramic dolls, art work, attic treasures and other items will be for sale. There will also be a light lunch of hot dogs, chips and dessert served from noon to 1:30 p.m.  

”¢ Springvale First Baptist Church, 429 Main St., hosts its annual Christmas fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. The fair features the popular greens room, cookie walk, crafts, gifts, food table, “trash and treasure,” and new this year ”“ a pet walk (no pets ”“ just treats). Brunch will be served during the fair.