WHJWC Marketplace “Returning to Roots” at WHS

The Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club proudly announces that the annual Marketplace craft festival is moving back to the “new” Wellesley High School.

Wellesley Marketplace, which has been held at Wellesley Middle School on the Saturday before Thanksgiving for the past decade, will be moving back to Wellesley High School this year. The event had been held at the former Wellesley High School before the new school was built in 2012.

The newer high school building has more windows and light, two large open spaces for craft booths and more parking.

“This is going to really improve the whole shopping experience. The artisans will have more space to show off their works. Shoppers will have more room to walk around. It’s a win-win for everyone,” said Wellesley Juniors President Christina Loftus.

Wellesley Marketplace is the premiere fundraiser for Wellesley Juniors. Proceeds from the show are given back to Wellesley through need-based scholarships to Wellesley high school students and grants to Wellesley community groups.

Wellesley Marketplace features more than 200 vendors from all over the New England states, and as far away as Florida. In 2015, about 40 percent of the arts and craft vendors were new to the show.

“We’re excited for this new event space and the opportunities it will provide our vendors and attendees,” said Marketplace co-chairs Julia Woodward and Tara Lawrence.

Wellesley Marketplace will be held on November 19, 2016. The exhibitor application is currently available on the Wellesley Juniors’ website at www.whjwc.org.

WHJWC was established in 1944 as a service organization under the Massachusetts Federation of Women’s Clubs. Through its four fundraisers – the Wellesley Marketplace, Luminary Night, the Kitchen Tour and the new 5K Wonder Run – the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club raises money that is donated to both local charities and to Wellesley High School students. In 2014-2015, WHJWC donated approximately $130,000 to the community through scholarships and charitable grants to local non-profit organizations.