People in Wareham could shop ‘til they dropped on Saturday as not one, not two, not three, but four organizations held Christmas fairs.

Each of the fairs, held by the Wareham Garden Club, the Friends of the Wareham Library, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Wesley United Methodist Church, were bustling all day with patrons browsing handicrafts, baked goods, holiday treats and potential presents.

“With four fairs, we didn’t know if we were going to lose foot traffic, but I think it helped,” said Carol Shapiro, who was helping out at the Methodist Church’s fair. 

Priscilla Porter, the president of the Friends of the Library, said that many people had told her they were making the rounds to visit all four fairs.

“I think a lot of people this year are anxious to get out and shop,” said Karen Clark, the president of the Good Shepherd Guild. The church’s fair, which consists entirely of handmade and donated items, had been busy all morning. All proceeds go to support the church’s ministry work, including the food pantry and free hot meals. 

The fair also offers a unique shopping option for kids under 12 — a dedicated room full of gifts suitable for siblings, parents and grandparents at kid-friendly prices. The room is only open to kids, and church members help wrap and tag the presents so kids can surprise their families on Christmas day. 

“Let me tell you, five bucks goes a long way,” said Clark.

At the library, pre-packed baked goods sold out by the end of the fair and a variety of artists had their work for sale.

Jewelry was for sale, and — of course — so were books, including a selection of holiday reads for kids and adults.

“I think for us, the books are the big draw,” said Porter.

At the Wesley United Methodist Church, Pastor Ginny Doran helped serve up a lunch of pulled pork sandwiches, chowder and other treats. 

Doran said the fair had been wonderful. 

“We laugh, we chat, we see people we haven’t seen in six months,” Doran said. “The only bad thing is that because we’re here, we can’t be everywhere else!”

Artist and church member Herby Thompson drew portraits of attendees for only $10 each, with proceeds going to the church. He said he hopes to return next year. 

Another artist, Cody Salvesen, was selling hand-drawn Christmas cards for $4 each to raise money for a school trip to France. Some of his cards will continue to be available in the Next-to-New Thrift Shop.

The Garden Club’s offerings of greenery were almost completely sold out by noon.