Santa and Mother Claus get festive for the St John the Evangelist Christmas fair. The annual event is a fundraiser for the school that recently won “Best School” in the Best of Carmichael contest. Photo by Susan Skinner

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - St John the Evangelist School’s blowout, “A Holiday Show of Hands,” will ensure a crafty Christmas for thousands of shoppers on Dec. 5, 6 and 7.

Now in its 47th year and boasting more than 150 vendors, the market annually fills the entire Locust Avenue campus with up to 5,000 shoppers. Proceeds benefit the Catholic school, winner of “Best School” in the recent Best of Carmichael contest.

Entrepreneurism annually soars during the fundraiser. Wares range from funky sweaters to metal sculptures and glittering ornaments. A preview from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5 requires a $10 admission fee but Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7 browsing is free. Doors open at 9 a.m. on both weekend days.

Organizers offer a prize opportunity for admission; guests will be included in a draw for a $100 gift card. A silent auction will offer hundreds of items; bids close on Sunday afternoon. Santa and Mother Claus will visit from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The fair’s gourmet pavilion has been enlarged to include more food vendors.

“December is a cold month, so hot toddies and Sister Margaret’s famous Irish coffee will take the chill off,” said organizer Pat Holbus. Home-cooked lasagna and other hot dishes will be available as sit-down or take-out meals throughout the event. Boulevard Coffee will host an expresso bar with specialty coffees.”

St John the Evangelist School is located at 5701 Locust Ave. Because fair traffic clogs surrounding streets, free shuttles will run from the Carmichael Elks Lodge parking lot to St. John’s Church.

“People come here from all over Sacramento, even from out of state,” said Holbus. “Our market is a Sacramento tradition. It’s a weekend that says Christmas is here at last.”

For more information, call 916-481-8845, extension1. Or visit www.holidayshowofhands.com.