The 44th Annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Extravaganza will be held on November 22nd and 23rd at the Osage and Show Me Centers in Cape Girardeau.
Over 300 crafters and artists from all over the Midwest will participate in the craft fair. The event lasts from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 22 and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday Nov. 23.
Executive director for the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri Murielle Gaither said 100 vendors will be at the Osage Center and 200 at the Show Me Center.
Tickets are $5 for Saturday and then $3 for Sunday. The purchase of one ticket will allow admittance at both locations throughout the weekend.
Gaither said some vendors sell out within hours and have very popular items. A jury makes sure that the show features handmade items only. Gaither explained that each booth must pass an inspection and that a team of jurors visits both fair locations and selects the Best of Show.
“Those who win ‘Best of Show’ get to come back the following year for free which is a great perk,” Gaither said.
Baked goods and unique gift ideas such as ceramics, woodwork items and monogram children’s clothing will among the items available.
“We have vendors representing every category that you can possibly imagine,” Gaither said.
Last year, around 14,000 people visited both fair locations and Gaither said she expects the same turnout this year if not more.
“If you’re looking to do some shopping for Christmas or to get your home ready for the Holidays our crafts fair is the place to do it all,” Gaither said.