St John the Evangelist School volunteers and students get in the festive spirit for their Christmas fair. The annual event is a fundraiser for the school that recently won “Best School” in the Best of Carmichael contest.

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. 6, 7 and 8.

Now in its 46th year and boasting more 150 vendors, the market annually fills the entire Locust Avenue campus with up to 5,000 guests. Proceeds benefit the Catholic school, which won “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 (5 to 9 p.m.) Dec. 6 requires a $10 admission fee but Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 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 the afternoon of Dec. 8. Santa and Mother Claus will visit from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec.7 and Dec. 8.

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,” promised organizer Pat Holbus. Home-cooked lasagna and other hot dishes will be available as sit-down or take-out meals throughout the event.

“This year, we’ve added a gift wrap service on Sunday and Boulevard Coffee will host an expresso bar with specialty coffees,” Holbus added.

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

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

For more information, call 916-481-8845 or visit online www.holidayshowofhands.com.