JHS Holly Fair starts the season of giving off right

SANTA’S STAFF: Jolly Old Saint Nick – Zach Zambarano – had a host of helpers at Saturday’s JHS PTSO Holly Fair. In front is Lucas Patrone. First row: James McHale, Zach Morin, Eric Messier, Justin Salois, Breanna Podmaska and Shaheer Jamil. Top: Carlos Fragoso, Alexia Jankura, Sarah Valentine, Alexis Turcotte, Delaney Larose, Gianna DeFusco, Jillian Estrada, Robin Fidel and Nailea Estrada. (Sun Rise photos by Pete Fontaine)

Posted Friday, November 23, 2018 12:29 pm

By Pete Fontaine

Jolly old Saint Nick, also known as Santa “Zack Zambarano” Claus, made a special appearance amid a myriad of elves during Saturday’s 8th Annual Johnston High School Parent Teacher Student Organization Holly Fair.

Although the crowd wasn’t as large as it has been in previous fairs, spirits were running high and shoppers were treated to some rather unique vendors that filled the JHS Cafeteria.

“Our Holly Fair was a great success,” said Melissa Patrone who again chaired the ambitious event with Lori Agnew and Deb McHale. “We’ve got some great vendors today.”

Make that such unique vendors as Beth Peltier, who owns and operates Hush Little Baby Cakes whose unique display offered everything from Diaper Cakes to Onesie Cupcakes and custom made cakes for just about any occasion imaginable.

Likewise, there were jewelry offerings, crafts, a large selection of women’s dresses and different craft and candle vendors.

Darlene Fleming, who lives in Johnston, set up an extraordinary exhibit entitled A Change of Seasons, which is a floral arrangement for any occasion because, as the proud proprietor offered: “every season deserves a new look.”

“We also enjoyed – and want to thank – the students from the Classes of 2019 and 2020 for their help and their wonderful baking skills,” said Patrone. “The hit was our annual visit from Santa Claus and his friendly elves.”

Saturday’s Holly Fair, as Patrone explained, “is the PTSO’s primary fundraiser for the students here at Johnston High School. We are looking forward to rebuilding next year’s venue with some new features for the community and students.”

She also issued a town-wide “thank you” from the committee saying “we’d like to thank all the vendors who participated today and our community that supported the event. Without these two groups, the event would not have been so magical.”

Those who’d like to help the JHS PTSO plan next year’s event – or to sign on as an early vendor – should call Patrone at 575-1097, Agnew at 965-6332 or McHale at 952-4607.