HAMDEN, CONN. – The annual Holly Berry Festival juried craft fair returns to Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden on November 22 and 23. Now in its 46th year, the Holly Berry Festival is a Christmas tradition hosted by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a congregation of religious sisters based in Hamden.
More than 45 artisans from Connecticut and Massachusetts will be on site selling handcrafted goods and specialty food just in time for Christmas. Visitors can shop for holiday and home décor, jewelry, apparel, accessories, and more across 50+ booths. Handcrafted wares, food and baked goods made by the Apostle Sisters, including Italian-style pickled eggplant, will also be available for purchase.
In addition to great holiday shopping, the Holly Berry features a variety of raffle drawings, including a Visa gift card raffle featuring three prizes: $1,500 in Visa gift cards, $500 in Visa gift cards and a $250 Visa gift card. There are also gift basket raffles, restaurant gift card raffles, and a Christmas tree raffle featuring decorated 4-foot artificial trees.
Be sure to bring the whole family to enjoy pictures with Santa, face painting and a children’s craft area. There is also a food court and bake sale.
Admission and parking are free. Festival hours are 3 to 8 pm on Friday, November 22, and 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday, November 23.
For those who cannot come in person, many of the handcrafted items made by the Sisters will be available for purchase online November 14-17 at hollyberry.org. Event proceeds benefit the care of the retired and aging Apostle Sisters.
About the Apostles
Founded by Bl. Clelia Merloni, the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are consecrated women of the Church who share the love of Christ through active ministry in the areas of education, health care, social services, and pastoral and Diocesan leadership. The Apostles minister in five states and 15 countries. The United States Provincialate is located in Hamden, Connecticut. Visit www.ascjus.org for more information.
