The phenomenal success of the 2007 Distant Neighbors Fair Trade Festival encouraged St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Georgetown to expand the 2008 Festival with additional hours and many more affordable Free Trade products. 

The weekend of activities is a unique shopping alternative.  And the Distant Neighbors Festival will provide information to further awareness of some of the economic and social challenges facing many people around the world. 

Instead of searching crowded malls for appropriate holiday and other gifts, the public is invited to shop from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22. Purchases may be made with cash, check, Visa or MasterCard. Ethnic foods, beverages, and entertainment will be available. Door prize drawings will be held twice daily. A five-piece Guatemalan Band will play from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Shoppers will have an opportunity to purchase affordable, beautiful, quality jewelry, clothing, household  items, holiday decorations, books, toys, coffees, baskets and many other gift items – all with one thing in common: They are all fair trade articles. Fair trade refers to the direct purchase of goods from people in developing nations. Based on economic and social justice principles, fair trade empowers and assures the talented low-income artisans who created the articles and farmers who grow the products a fair price for their labor, an opportunity to better their lives by providing financially for their families while achieving dignity in their work. Your dollars can make a difference for these less fortunate artisans and farmers.  

Festival proceeds do not benefit St. Paul’s. The proceeds will help fund economic development efforts abroad and at home in Sussex County.

The weekend of activities is a unique shopping alternative. The Distant Neighbors Festival furthers awareness of some of the economic and social challenges facing many people around the world. 

For a wonderful shopping opportunity, some fun for the family, and a way to serve our neighbors near and far, come to the Distant Neighbors Festival on Nov. 21 and 22. 

For more information, call the church at 856-2894, or visit www.stpaulsgeorgetown.org.