Zion United Church of Christ helped to kick-off the Christmas shopping season on Saturday by hosting its annual Country Fair at the church in Lehighton.

"It's a lot of work, but we have the most wonderful people helping us," said Country Fair Co-Coordinator Liz Kimmel. "Everyone works so well together for the common cause."All proceeds from the annual event benefit the various ministries of Zion

U.C.C.Kimmel and her husband, Henry, have served as the Country Fair Co-Coordinators for the past two years.Home-made crafts of all kinds dominated the Country Fair. In addition, the event featured a "Little Shoppers" store where children could shop for family and friends and have their gifts wrapped. The Country Fair also included a used book nook; a basket raffle with over 90 items; a bake sale; Zion Café; and a raffle which included prizes of quilts, gift certificates, and cash.One of the most popular features for children of all ages was the opportunity to meet live alpacas - inside the church. Resembling small llamas, the alpacas' visit was compliments of Dennis, Evalynn, and Kira Kuehner of Picnic Woods Alpacas of Lehighton.For more information about Zion

U.C.C., visit

www.ZionLehighton.org

http://www.zionlehighton.org/ or call (610) 377-1191.Additional information about Picnic Woods Alpacas can be found at

www.PicnicWoodsAlpacas.com

http://www.picnicwoodsalpacas.com/ or by calling (570) 386-3805.