Schoolchildren and school programs in Chimacum, Quilcene and Port Townsend all benefit from the Chimacum Arts and Crafts Fair, hosted last weekend at Chimacum High School.

This was the 29th edition of what has become the largest arts and crafts fair in Jefferson County during the holiday season. There were nearly 100 vendors and several thousand shoppers.

The rain and wind held off for the most part until after Saturday morning’s opening ceremony, which included a Chimacum community portrait photographed by David Conklin of Port Townsend. Prints of the community photo are available for sale at the Chimacum Corner Farmstand and at Farm’s Reach Cafe.

The fair was started in 1986 by Flavia and Terry Heineman and Carol West. For many years, the fair has been sponsored by the Friends of Chimacum. The fair has grown to become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

When it began, the fair was primarily a fundraiser for Chimacum High School while also funding other needs for students throughout the district. Today, money raised at the door is split equally between Port Townsend, Chimacum and Quilcene school groups.

Vendor selections included jewelry, leather work, forged iron, textiles, indoor and outdoor decorations, food items, photography and artwork, and much more. Some of the booths were those of individual businesspeople, while many were staffed by children as fundraisers for their own club or class projects.

“I love it; we come every year,” said Julie Peterson, who came from Poulsbo with her mother and mother-in-law. “We see a lot of the same vendors every year, which is great, and there’s also a lot of new people and selections, so each year is different. See you again next year!”