Every year, Barrow residents enthusiastically await the annual Christmas Crafts Fair sponsored by the Barrow Lion s Club. On the morning of Saturday, Dec. 1, the Ipalook Elementary School dining hall filled with a steady swarm of people roaming between the colorfully packed tables. Against one wall, a group of women spread out their pans full of Asian food and baked goods, filling the room with an aromatic blend that invited people to sit for a Saturday brunch.
A variety of Alaska Native art could be found alongside, paintings, photos of polar bears and other Northern wildlife, cosmetics, jewelry, Eskimo attire and handmade greeting cards were all spread out in a colorful display on more than 30 tables for all to see and buy. The Lion s club table sold holiday raffle tickets for a first prize of $3,000 with all proceeds benefiting the Barrow Lion s Club Christmas Food Drive.