TEMPLETON – The Templeton Arts and Crafts Festival was officially slated to open at 10 a.m. Saturday, but – to the delight of the dozens of vendors on hand – browsers, people-watchers, and, more importantly, potential customers showed up well in advance to check out all the fair had to offer.
Event organizer Darlene Scerra said some 75 vendors had signed up to fill historic Templeton Common for the weekend. Scerra explained the event is used to raise funds for scholarships for students living in Templeton and Phillipston, the towns that comprise the Narragansett Regional School District.
“The scholarships are for those continuing their education,” she said. “That includes college kids and adults who may be heading back to college. We give out anywhere between $10,000 and $15,000 in scholarships each year. We also present someone with the Gladys Salame Scholarship.”
Salame, along with her husband Stephen, founded the festival in the mid-90s. She also taught elementary school in the Narragansett district for many years and was the first woman elected to Templeton’s selectboard. Salame passed away in 2003 (her husband in 2015).
“The Salame award goes to someone who has not only done well academically,” said Scerra, “but who has also been involved in community service. Applicants for the scholarship also need to write an essay.”
Scerra added that, after 14 years, this would be her last year as event organizer. She explained she is moving to Marlboro to pursue a new job opportunity.
“I still plan on being involved,” said Scerra. “This is such a great event, and the people involved are just great, so I couldn’t give it up completely. I love it. So, I’ll be back next year to help out and work it.”
If you missed the festival this year, mark your calendar for 2020. The Templeton Arts and Crafts Festival is always held the third weekend in August.