Sunday afternoon I found myself in 6 On The Square, Oxford’s unique non-profit music and art venue, taking in the sights and sounds of their second annual Holiday Tea.

The event combined seasonal music performed by the United Church of Oxford’s Praise Band under the direction of Francis Wilcox with the organization’s Holiday Shoppe, an array of handcrafted products on consignment from local artists.

And, of course, there were plenty of tasty tidbits and hot beverages available at the snack bar. My favorite were sand tarts baked according to the 200-year-old family recipe of 6 On the Square’s very own Nancy Morey.

While you needed cash to purchase those items, you didn’t need any for a cover charge. Admission to the Holiday Tea was free with a contribution of non-perishable food items for the Oxford Food Pantry.

According to Morey, it is all part of the venue’s mission of supporting local communities and artists as well as being environmentally friendly.

Doors opened at 1:30 p.m., but I arrived a little bit earlier so that I’d have time to peruse the items in the Holiday Shoppe. I was not disappointed; there was a little bit of everything on offer. Pottery, soaps, fiber art made from hand-dyed wool, locally roasted coffee, ornaments, jewelry and hand carved wooden ornaments and toys. It always amazes me that we have so many talented people in our area communities.