One of the area's most popular Christmas traditions is the Phinney Neighborhood Association's Winter Festival, coming up on Dec. 1 and 2 with 115 craft booths and live entertainment.

The event is one of the main fundraisers of the year for the Phinney Neighborhood Association, which runs the Phinney Neighborhood Center.

Winter Festival was started in 1981, when the association was first started. "We used it as an open house and it caught on," said Development Director Anne Bowden.

The festival's artists create everything from whimsical toys to vintage hats to contemporary garden art. Vendors are spread out between the association's two buildings.

One of the festival's most popular groups, the Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band is back again on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. "They are a long time performer. They have been around a long time and have been coming for almost 20 years. They always draw a huge crowd, people love them," said Bowden.

The local group Phinney Community Chorus sings on Sunday, 3:30 p.m.

This year's entertainment lineup also features the Anzanga Marimba Ensemble, Hokunani Dancers, North by Northwest with Morris Misty City, Jean Mann, Gary Paine, Woodland Consort, High Class Brass, Bambula, Eclectic Cloggers and others.

Phinney Neighborhood Association members will donate baked goods like cookies, brownies, pies and cakes for sale.

The raffle quilt, hand made by volunteers has been going on since 1988. Tickets are $1 each and are on sale now at the Phinney Center and will be available during the Fair. The drawing will be at 4 p.m. Dec.3.

The Phinney Neighborhood Center is located in the old John B. Allen Elementary School, built in 1904. The center includes a newer brick building in a lower lot.

Since opening in 1981, the non-profit organization has offered numerous programs and activities to serve the community. It emphasizes programs for children, families and education.

The first day of the festival is the busiest. "It gets packed on Saturday. It's a very popular event," said Bowden.

"My memorable moment is because it is such a neighborhood event, I run into friends and neighbors all the time. It's an opportunity to catch up with people," said Bowden.

The community not only turns out for Winter Fest, they help out. "There are people who volunteer. You can count on them to take tickets at the door or work the bake sale," said Bowden.

Funds raised help support a variety of PNA programs including: Art Gallery; 65th Street Pre-school; Whittier Kids; Soup Kitchen; Heart of Phinney; Technology Center; Well Home Program; and the Greenwood Senior Center.

The doors are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Admission is $2 for members, $4 for non-members, plus a non-perishable food donation for the Ballard and Greenwood food banks. Kids under 12 are free.