St. Joseph’s Church in Wurtsboro holds a craft fair every year to support local vendors and the Ave Maria Guild. This year, however, the Ave Maria Guild held the fair earlier than normal to include Halloween into the mix.

This year, 28 vendors offered different crafts, art, services, and other miscellaneous items. Kate Labuda, a member of the guild since 1978, found the vendors and said that there is always a waiting list for this event. Because of Covid, Labuda restricted the number of vendors, but vendors from the guild, local areas, Rockland County, and even Pennsylvania came out for this popular event. Labuda hopes when Covid eases, more vendors will be allowed to attend. Labuda said it costs $15 for one table and $25 for two, and every vendor must put up an item for the raffle. In addition to the raffle, the event offered a 50/50 and a quilt made by a guild member to be won by a lucky shopper. All the proceeds go to the Ave Maria Guild.

The fair also offered lunch put together by the guild’s president Lindy-Ann Marryshow. Marryshow joined the guild six years ago and was “surprised, but thankful” when she was voted in as president this year. Marryshow took over the food preparations two years ago and said, “everyone loves our cooking.” The guild also prepared food for the Repair Café in Wurtsboro, and Marryshow said it was a “big hit.” Meals cost $10 each, and due to Covid, the meals were carry out only, but the menu was carefully chosen.

This year, the guild offered their popular turkey chili and cornbread, sausage and peppers, and Philly cheesesteaks. All meals came with vegetables, a salad, and a dessert of choice. Next year, Marryshow said, the guild is planning to serve meatloaf.

Labuda emphasized why events like these are important. People do not have to be Catholic to enjoy an event put on by the guild, Labuda said. It allows for vendors to show the hard work they put in, and once a year, community members can see and help each other. It helps people “stay in touch,” and it “brings everyone together.”