The Philomath Frolic and Rodeo’s annual Holiday Craft Fair arrives this weekend with organizers expecting at least 80 vendors operating in Philomath Elementary School’s gymnasium, cafeteria and hallways.
Traditionally held on the first weekend in November, the event will run from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.
Chris Workman, who sits on the Frolic and Rodeo’s Board of Directors and handles publicity, said the event will provide visitors with a good mix of handcrafted and direct-to-consumer products.
“We’ve been holding this for a long, long time,” Workman said. “It’s our way of holding a fun event that’s not during the summer. It gets all of our volunteers out, it gets a lot of the community out that are crafty and gives them an opportunity to sell their wares.”
Beyond those creating with their hands, the event will also feature other types of vendors with a variety of products.
“It is a craft fair but we get a lot of small businesses in there, too,” Workman said, mentioning sellers of things like beauty products and scented candles, just a few examples. “That may not be crafty but they’re entrepreneurs and they’re building their businesses and so it gives them an opportunity in their own local community to sell as well.”
A food booth will be on site for those with a hankering to eat something while shopping and browsing.
“A lot of people like to come and get their holiday shopping list stuff taken care of and checked off,” Workman said. “I usually look for a unique gift for my wife or something that we haven’t seen before that’s from an artist or something. It’s just a good opportunity to highlight local artists, local craftsmen, local business owners and give them a venue where they can sell and meet up with buyers while trying to keep it festive.”
Proceeds from the Holiday Craft Fair are passed on to various local efforts and organizations.
“All of this money goes back into the community, which is fun, so it’s not a money maker for the Frolic,” Workman said. “It’s just an excuse for us to get together in the winter and do something fun for the community.”
Philomath Elementary is located at 239 S. 16th St.
