Christmas is just around the corner, and the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce hosted its first annual arts and crafts fair, inviting Loma Linda residents to get a jump start on their holiday shopping this year. The arts and crafts fair is one event in a long list that the Chamber has held in the effort to support and promote local business, explained Phil Carlisle, CEO. "The Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce works in an effort to help local businesses and their members prosper with whatever service or merchandise they're providing," Carlisle said. Carlisle shared that this particular year, the Chamber identified a need to provide an opportunity to "artsy and crafty" business owners of the community. "It's Christmas time, and people are Christmas shopping, so it was a good opportunity to come out here and share my craft with the Loma Linda community," said Cookie Lee Jewelry vendor Ina Ramirez. Herbert Grovechi, who came to look and shop around, described the fair as a great way to get quality items at an affordable price. The Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce's first arts and craft fair was backed with support by the city and other local organizations and clubs, Chamber members expressed. Proceeds from the event will go to the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House, which provides a place for families of children living with illnesses to stay during their medical treatments. The inaugural event saw 26 vendors participating. "For it being the very first arts & craft fair we hosted, it was pretty successful," explained Gay Turner, the Chamber's event coordinator. "The hopes are it will become an annual event."

Loma Linda Chamber Hosts First Community Arts and Crafts Fair