Franciscan Christmas
Fair

Meriden (WTNH) - The 17th annual Franciscan Christmas Fair is this weekend and News Channel 8's Jodi Latina joined the sisters in the kitchen as they prepped for their big event.

The creche is taking form on the grounds of the Franciscan Life Center in Meriden. And as the sun rises so does the dough inside for the famous breads made by the sisters.

The sisters are part of the Franciscan order. Each one pitches in to hand make the Fairs top sellers - orange rolls and caramel pecan pull apart bread.

"We have a lot of fun. It's a lot of work but a lot of fun," said Sister Rose Mae Pender.

As the sisters cut, weigh and roll the dough upstairs. The volunteers spring into action down stairs and it's not just setting up tables.

"We have volunteers who will make jams and jellies and wooden reindeer," said Sister Suzanne Gross.

This year the bread has special meaning to the sisters.

"A sister who has come from Idaho the last couple of years to make the bread for us died on October 2 of cancer so we're doing a lot of these in memory of her," said Mother Shaun Vergauwen.

Buying the breads and supporting the sisters allows them to complete their mission - Helping thousands of people in the community who need home care and hospice and the hundreds of families who rely on counseling. It's a recipe they've used for 25-years, allowing them to answer the prayers of the community.

Franciscan Christmas Fair
271 Finch Avenue
Meriden
Saturday, November 22
9:30-2:30

For more information, please visit www.flcenter.org