Blue Star Mothers host annual fall craft fair in Buffalo

The Wright County chapter of Blue Star Mothers hosted its annual Fall Craft Fair and Fundraiser at Buffalo American Legion Post 270 on Saturday, Nov. 7. Blue Star Mothers of Wright County Chapter 13 is part of Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. 

For those who attended, the craft fair provided an opportunity to browse a variety of crafts, baked goods, and other items while helping support the chapter’s ongoing efforts to recognize and assist those who have served, or are currently serving, in the U.S. military.

The fundraiser featured vendor tables offering handmade jewelry, home décor, wooden flags, engraved items, soaps, embroidered towels, greeting cards, and other specialty gifts. A bake sale and book table were also a part of the event.

A highlight of the craft fair was the white bag raffle, where attendees could purchase red, blue, or gold-colored raffle tickets to be placed into white bags, which corresponded with items and gifts donated by local merchants and craft fair vendors. A drawing was held to pick the winners.

Proceeds from vendor table rentals, raffles, the bake sale, book table, and community donations will help the Wright County chapter continue its mission of supporting active-duty military personnel, veterans, military families, and Gold Star families. 

A tradition of supporting military families

Blue Star Mothers of America is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1942 during World War II. The organization began when approximately 300 mothers of servicemen gathered in Flint, Michigan, after a local newspaper encouraged mothers with sons serving in the military to come together.

What began as a way for military mothers to connect and support one another grew into a nationwide organization. Blue Star Mothers was officially chartered by Congress in 1960. Today, the organization has chapters throughout the country and brings together mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers, and female legal guardians whose children are serving, or have served, in the U.S. Armed Forces. 

Its mission centers on supporting military families and ensuring that service members, veterans, and families of fallen service members are not forgotten.

Chapter members provide encouragement to deployed troops through care packages, letters, and other gestures of support. They volunteer at veterans’ facilities, assist with community events, participate in patriotic ceremonies, and provide support to veterans and their families.

The organization recognizes the unique challenges military families face, including deployments, homecomings, and the transition from military to civilian life.

For the Wright County chapter, the annual fall craft fair provides an opportunity to bring the community together while raising funds to continue that work. 

“It warms the heart,” said Wright County Chapter 13 President Pam Dickson.

About Wright County Blue Star Mothers

Wright County Area MN 13 Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. meets twice each month. The group holds its monthly business meeting on the first Tuesday at Community United Methodist Church in Monticello, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Members also gather on the third Thursday at the Buffalo American Legion at 6:00 p.m. for dinner, fellowship, service projects, and crafts.

The group welcomes mothers of children who have served or are currently serving in the military, including active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and veterans.

For more information about joining or upcoming activities, contact chapter president Pam Dickson at president.mn13@bluestarmothers.us.