The Northampton Exchange Club’s annual spring craft fair was held March 20 at Northampton Banquet and Event Center.

With more than 75 booths of handcrafters interspersed with a few direct sales booths, such as Scentsy and Taste of Home, the community center, 1601 Laubach Ave., was filled with goods sure to pique the interest of any who attended.

Upon entering, customers were greeted by 115 tricky tray raffle baskets. Some included an item of up to $15 from one of the crafters if they chose to donate. Others had gift cards from local businesses that were solicited by the Exchange Club.

Some people and club members donated baskets that, for example, included lottery tickets or one that had a college bathroom theme.

The next two rooms were filled with crafts ranging from various hardgoods, such as wooden cutting boards, birdhouses, jewelry and glass, to textiles such as aprons, T-shirts and blanket-type throws. There was also decoupage, handmade paper cards, chocolates and baked goods, Easter decorations, homemade soap and plenty of things for pets.

If patrons got hungry while perusing the many offerings, food was available from the community center kitchen.

According to Linda Mery, coordinator of the craft show, this may be one of the larger indoor craft fairs in the area simply because of the size of the venue. Mery says 60-70 percent of the booths are return crafters, and she already has numerous applications for the fall craft fair.

“We give our previous vendors first shot at applying,” Mery said. “At this point, I will set a deadline for July. If I don’t have enough applications and payments by then, I will open up spaces for new people.”

She said most of the new people hear about the event through word-of-mouth or Facebook, where the Exchange Club will post openings.

Mery got involved with the Exchange Club through her husband and sister-in-law, both of whom served as club presidents. However, she clarifies it was important to her what the club stands for.

“It’s all about community involvement,” she said, explaining the group not only sponsors the spring and fall craft fairs, but also the Jack Frost Parade and the Community Days festival. In addition, the club does a lot to help local students.

“You always see about all the bad stuff kids are doing, or the sports are always brought to the forefront, where ours is all-around,” Mery said. “It’s about academics, service, leadership and work. We also sponsor scholarships for the end-of-the-year junior class and do an employee of the month program for the high school. We do a lot for the community.”

Although the craft fair was busier than usual, with Mery saying they were very happy with the turnout, it’s too soon to know how much money was raised.

“I can tell you that with the fall craft fair, we were able to send a check to the Pediatric Cancer Fund of the Lehigh Valley for $3,000,” Mery reported. “And the other thing I can tell you is that any profits made from this fair will go to Valley Youth House.”

She noted the club is actively seeking new members, so if you appreciate what they do for the community, perhaps you’d like to volunteer.

“If we get to the point where we don’t have enough people, these things are going to start going away,” Mery said.