At the Royal Canadian Legion 124’s annual Christmas craft sale on Saturday, Krista Barlow’s booth was filled with her handmade wirework jewelry, each piece crafted and polished by hand.

Representing her business, Grand Gem Jewellery and Rock Shop, the sale provided Barlow an opportunity to showcase her work and connect with the community.

“I love doing this,” she said, noting how some customers came specifically to see her after hearing she would be at the sale.

“Some customers that I’ve had before, who knew I would be here, came to see me.”

While the turnout may not have been as large as Barlow had hoped, she said it was rewarding nonetheless, engaging with customers about their interests and offering them more unique options.

“It’s a win-win, no matter how you look at it,” said Barlow.

The craft sale, held on Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., gave residents the chance to start their holiday shopping while supporting the Legion.

The sale featured a variety of handmade items, from jewelry to home decor, with all proceeds supporting the Legion.

According to Al Howse, president of Branch 124, the craft sale has been a staple of the Legion for over five years, usually raising more than $1,000 annually.

In addition to the craft booths, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a penny raffle, where they could purchase $5 tickets for a chance to win handmade items donated by the vendors.

Karen Jones, a member of the Legion’s executive committee, said the raffle is a fun way for locals to support the Legion while also enjoying the chance to win one-of-a-kind items.

“Our penny sale is really cool, because each crafter donates one of what they make,” she said.

While Jones believes the sale serves as a valuable opportunity for the community to unite in support of both the crafters and the Legion, she also expressed a desire for even greater participation in the future.

“I’d like more of the community to come together with us,” she said.

With Fish Fry Thursdays, live music on Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m., and a rotating $12 supper every Friday night, there’s always something to look forward to at the Legion, said Jones.

Last Friday’s special was chili — next week’s might become the new crowd favourite.