If you happened to join us for our 23rd Annual Crusader Craft Sale and Scholastic Book Fair you know what we are talking about! November 26, 2016 was an amazing day filled with fun for all ages. Plus we were so happy to work in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce for the town-wide Extravaganza event.

We hosted close to 40 exhibitors with a wide variety of items and products which gave our customers the opportunity to purchase treasures for gift giving and stock up on everything from cleaning products to household wares. We believe we had the highest volume of people to date! Exhibitors also helped make the event great by donating door prizes which customers could enter with each purchase. If you won a door prize, you received a call from Mrs. Capjack or Mrs. Loughran. All proceeds from our tables go back into our school in a variety of forms and instructional areas.

Our crowds were entertained by a variety of vocal talent from our community. We started the day (and ended it) with Juanita Buck on flute and Eugene Buck on bodhran; Mr. Krys (who set up, took care of our performers) played keyboard), The Clarke Family Singers shared some Disney and Christmas songs; sisters, Sue Bartholomew and Gabrielle Bayduza, performed separately and then together on guitar and keyboard; Mr. Burke performed vocals and guitar, Dallan and Daleen Pinder shared songs with us; alumni, Shaun Anderson, shared his wonderful voice and guitar; The Elk Point Theatre Group sang a song from their upcoming musical – The Wizard of Oz; MJ Espinosa performed vocals and guitar to an appreciative Crusader crowd; and Mrs. Bjorkman sang a few songs to fill in the day.

Mrs. Richer and all her volunteers shared their knowledge of the no-so-cuddly critters at the petting zoo where children and adults alike had a chance to experience and even hold the snakes, tarantulas and lizards. The room was busy throughout the day much to the delight of the kids and the distress of the critters.

Our PUP group and other student/former student volunteers hosted both a table of treats in the gym and the Holiday Gift Shop. Many children shopped in the privacy of Room 4 for the adults in their lives. Sales were great and the group nearly sold out of their entire product line! The proceeds from the Holiday Gift Shop are earmarked for a charity of the PUP group’s choice.

Sprinkles the Clown shared part of her day here at FGM and the remainder downtown. She twisted up balloon fun while she was here and then at 2:30 she put on her wonderful magic show which created a tremendous amount of enthusiasm from the young crowd and their parents. Our appreciation goes out the BPOE Elks who sponsored Sprinkles at the Craft Sale. We can’t wait until she returns next year!

The Scholastic Book Fair, which was manned by volunteers Elaine Bjorkman, Ryleigh Trotchie and Kelly Raymond, experienced a full library leaning commons throughout the day. We even had a special section of used adult books that found new homes. Proceeds from the book fair go directly back to our library learning commons in the form of new books and cash for programming. Congratulations to Jaleel White and Mrs. Leaf who won the $25 free books from our Family Event door prize.

Our Grinch and Clifford performers and their guide, Darby Swedgan, did an exceptional job throughout the day waving, hugging and having their pictures taken with our guests. On hand was Brooke Yaremchuk who took our photos with The Grinch and Clifford this year from 10-12. Any questions about photos should be directed to Brooke.

Our Crusader chefs, Duane Zaraska and Colleen White, cooked up a storm all day long from pancakes to lunch meals with beverages and treats throughout the day so that our customers were well fed and ready to shop.

We could not pull the event together without the help of the staff (especially Mr. Randall) and students who helped to bring tables from the arena and set up as well as taking all of it down and putting it all away. What an amazing team effort!

Overall, co-ordinators Tracy Loughran and Denise Bjorkman couldn’t be happier with the event and look forward to our 24th Annual Crusader Craft Sale which will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2017! Save the date and join us again for more family fun.

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