The First Presbyterian Craft Fairs will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 13 and 20, at 305 N. Main St., in Waynesville.
The crafters have been working since February to produce knitted and crocheted items, home decorations, handbags, hats, denim aprons, jewelry creations, holiday ornaments and decorations, wood crafts, original paintings, painted gourds, quilted products, homemade deserts, and jellies and pickles.  The quality and variety of items offered at the fairs reflect how gifted the artists and artisans are.
The crafters, “Crafters with a Mission,” have worked both in weekly meetings at the church and at home to create a range of handicrafts.  The group meetings have provided opportunities for participation in group projects, as well as times for fun and fellowship. Bebe Abel, one of the founding participants, said, “If you can cut or sew, we have a job for you.”
Part of the motivation for the crafters is the desire to support the local mission program of the church.  Grandfather Home for Children and the Black Mountain Children’s Home were two of the organizations, which benefited from last year’s craft fairs.  The  “Layette Ministry,” which provides layettes for babies born at MedWest to needy families, also received support.  Much of this year’s funds will be used to support other local mission programs.
The craft fairs at First Presbyterian will be held during Waynesville’s Church Street Art and Craft Fair and the Apple Harvest Festival. For information, contact the church at 456-3243.