Come enjoy Black Friday with the Blue Devils

A tradition for more than a quarter-century will kick off the holiday shopping season Nov. 25 and 26 at the Poultney High School as the Poultney Christmas Fair rings in its 26th holiday season.

Shopping days have begun to dwindle as 28 days will remain for Christmas shopping, if this opportunity to buy from Lakes Region crafters slips away.

Those looking to avoid the typical holiday stresses of last-minute shopping trips to a crowded mall might want to consider buying locally at this unique craft fairs that organizers say is one of the biggest in Vermont.

Find a unique treasure or a holiday keepsake made by hand by a local crafter or a perfect holiday treat to give as a gift or take to a holiday table for sharing from a local baker there will be something for nearly everyone at these area holiday craft fairs.

Admission to this event is free.

The Christmas Fair runs each day from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at its usual location, the Poultney High School gymnasium.

The Vermont Farmers Market invites everyone to East Main Street to get some authentic Vermont goodness to give to others during the holiday season.

Whether it is that perfect hand made holiday treat or a lovingly crafted and equally unique gift item, this craft fair likely has what you are looking for.   

“This great fair has grown to be the largest of its kind in southern Vermont with over sixty talented entrepreneurs bringing such a vast diversity of craft creations for you to choose from,” organizer Bill Clark said.

“Everything from Christmas décor and balsam wreaths to so many items for Christmas giving in jewelry, candles, knits, pottery, woodcraft, paintings, prints and frames,” Clark   said.

Also featured are myriad food options, “Country bakers have a vast assortment of pies, breads, cookies, pastries, fudge and doughnuts,” Clark said.

“Our gourmet foods include maple syrup and a diverse array of maple products, 100 varieties of preserves and specialty cheeses along with sauces, salsas, pickles, apples, cider and honey,” Clark said.

“While you will find the Best of Vermont here we also invite some nearby New York State vendors to join us with their own Best of the Adirondacks flavors and creations,” Clark said.

Clark said gift boxes and baskets will be made up for patrons or they can go through and select items for one of their own and mail order is also available.

“We think you will like our prices,” Clark said.

“Poultney is a great town so you might want to allow some extra time to visit some of the great merchants who always help support our event that has over the years made it so outstanding,” Clark said.

What once began as a small holiday craft fair in the East Poultney Church blossomed into the two-day holiday event that now needs a gymnasium to contain all of the vendors and their items.

The placement of the holiday fair, on the weekend immediately following Thanksgiving, accounts for some of the event’s success, organizers said. Another factor in the event’s success was the presence of the crafters themselves at the point of sale in many cases the same person who made the decoration, toy or tasty treat will be the same person who sells it to the patron.

“This is the granddaddy of all of them; it’s a real success story, no doubt about that,” Clark said. 

For more information Clark said shoppers should call either Jamie at 802-287-9570.