Mall-ternative shopping
The holidays approach. Fear eats the soul as you contemplate
tripping to the mall, or wandering through cyberspace. Wait! There is another
way, with real people, real gifts, and childcare!
Metro Justice will hold its 25th Annual Alternative Fair on
Friday, December 1, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, December 2,
from 9 a.m. untill 3 p.m. at the FirstUnitarianChurch, 220 South Winton Road.
Metro Justice, a social justice organization, holds the
Alternative Fair as an “alternative-to-the-mall” holiday shopping event for the
whole family. More than 50 vendors offer hundreds of gift items that are
locally made, earth-friendly, and/or fair trade imports that support a just and
sustainable world. The fair is the major fundraiser for Metro Justice.
Items for sale include clothing, toys, non-competitive games,
pottery, jewelry, and more. The atmosphere is festive and friendly with
entertainment by local musicians, including Jeff and Dylan Love (who were a big
hit last year), Mike Baker, Liz Seely, Richard Wattie, Tim Farnum, Sharon Balestra, Bob Zimmerman, Mary Kay Williams, and Doug
Waterman.
Homemade vegetarian food is available, as well as free child
care. Children enjoy the games and toys in the rooms of the WintonRoadNursery School at the
Church, under the supervision of Metro Justice volunteers.
Older children can wander through the fair with friends and buy their own holiday gifts. There is
even a “green” gift-wrapping service and information tables for local
progressive organizations.
There is a $3 suggested donation. For more information, call
Metro Justice at 325-2560.
This article appears in Nov 29 – Dec 5, 2006.
