By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

Those who attend Chelsea Middle School’s inaugural Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair on Dec. 6 can expect to find a festive atmosphere as they support the school’s athletics.

Proceeds from the holiday fair will go to CMS Athletic Boosters, a group that supports all of the school’s sports teams.

Robin Cook, eighth grade special education teacher and cheerleading and softball coach at CMS, is spearheading the fundraiser, which is modeled after a holiday fair fundraiser Chelsea High School held last year, Cook said.

“Our athletic boosters was started two years ago, so they’re still in the process of trying to raise funds and improve our facilities,” Cook said. “I got the idea rolling.”

Early-bird admission to the holiday fair is $5 per person.

Those with early-bird tickets may enter the fair at 8 a.m.

“You can pay $5 for early access,” Cook said. “We just thought that would be a different avenue to raise a few more funds. “We were hoping for somewhere between 1,000-2,000 (attendees) for our first go-round, but we’re not going to get defeated if it’s less than that. Everybody’s got to start somewhere.”

Admission is free from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Vendor space is still available, and vendor spaces are $75 each.

The deadline to submit vendor applications and fees is Nov. 30, but Cook said vendors would be accepted after the deadline if space allows.

Anyone interested in being a vendor should email Cook at rcook@shelbyed.k12.al.us or call Chelsea Middle School at 682-7210.

Cook said vendors are expected to bring a variety of items to the fair, including clothing, home decor, jellies and jams.

Childcare will be available.

Donations for childcare will be accepted and will benefit the CMS Dance Team, whose members will help in the childcare room.

Light concessions will be available, some for purchase, along with food vendors.

Cook said she hopes the holiday fair will become an annual event.

“As with anything, you’ve got to build from the ground up,” Cook said. “We know the money will turn around and directly impact the community. We want to be where people want to go.”

The holiday fair will be held at Chelsea Middle School, 2321 Shelby County 39.