Mayor Declares Dec. 8 Alternative Christmas Fair day in State College

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State College Borough Mayor Ezra Nanes has proclaimed Sunday, December 8, 2024, to be Alternative Christmas Fair Day.  “I encourage everyone to experience this local holiday tradition,” said Nanes, speaking at Borough Council’s regularly scheduled meeting Nov. 18. 

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The mayor’s proclamation states that the Alternative Christmas Fair “…is a community-building gathering, a celebration of the wonderful services available in Centre County, an opportunity for representatives of local charities to connect with other groups doing related work, one-stop holiday gift shopping for everyone, a delicious meal, and a beloved State College holiday tradition.”

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The 42nd annual Alternative Christmas Fair will take place on Sunday, December 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at University Baptist and Brethren Church (UBBC), 411 S. Burrowes Street in State College.  On that day, 31 local, national and international charities will set up booths in UBBC’s Fellowship Hall. People from the community visit the booths and displays set up by each charity. They are provided with a form where they can designate the charities they want to support and the amount they want to give to each. With one check or credit card swipe they can do all of their year-end charitable giving. 

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As the proclamation notes, Fair-goers will, “…enjoy a home-cooked meal in a festive setting, UBBC will provide gift cards, collect donations (cash, check or credit card) do the math and turn over every penny of the money donated to the non-profits who participate, absorbing any fees.” 

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There is also an online giving option for those who cannot come to the event on Dec. 8. The Online Alternative Christmas Fair will be open from Dec. 1-22 and can be found at https://ubbcwelcome.org/acf/.

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Since the event began in 1982, the Alternative Christmas Fair has raised $992,078 for the charities it serves. 

“In 2024 we are very excited as we will pass the million-dollar mark in charitable giving,” said co-chair Gail Addison Guss. “We hope to see many of our friends and neighbors at the Fair.”