Bedford Plant and Craft Fair

The First Parish Plant & Craft Fair’s longtime tradition began in the early 1950s in the side yard of the Fitch Tavern, where First Parish members the Joslins lived. Avid gardeners, the Joslins along with friends and fellow First Parish members, including Betty Balfour and Eva Schafer, thought it would be a lovely idea to share their plants. It was such a good idea, it eventually outgrew the Fitch Tavern side yard, and moved across the street to Bedford’s Town Common. Held annually in mid-May, the First Parish Plant & Craft Fair offers a wide variety of heritage perennials dug from Bedford gardens, herb and vegetable seedlings, and stock from local nurseries. Over the years the Fair has also expanded to include dozens of crafters along with music, baked goods, lunch, and children’s activities, including face-painting, crafts, and other activities. Gardeners, artisans, and families fro...