ROYAL CITY — The Royal Intermediate School was buzzing with laughter and Christmas cheer Dec. 7 as children and their families gathered for its first Christmas Craft Fair.

“We had a great turnout,” said Royal Intermediate School principal, Linda Achondo.

About 200 people were in attendance, participating in all the crafts and holiday fun offered. There were three different craft tables set up including button wreaths, reindeer ornaments, a penguin craft, and a coloring station. Children also had an opportunity to have their photos taken with Santa.

Hot cocoa and popcorn sales were offered during the fair, with the help of ASB students.

Achondo and the school’s leadership team came up with the idea to hold a craft fair to give parents, families an opportunity to be involved with a school activity as opposed to just visiting for conferences.

“We wanted to create something positive,” said Shelby Campbell, who teaches 6th grade math at the intermediate school.

During the fair, students and their families excitedly worked on each of the crafts together, discussing which booth they wanted to visit next as they made their way around the gym.

“I think it went really well,” Campbell said. “It was a family affair.”

Campbell was also excited to see how involved the ASB students were in the process, as they made posters and helped with the cocoa and popcorn sales.

As for next year, both Achondo and Campbell want to expand the craft fair by offering even more crafts, activities and seating to accommodate more people. Achondo also hopes to host other family nights throughout the year.