Shoppers looking for locally made, handcrafted gifts are invited to the Big River VFW Post’s Holiday Craft Fair.
It will be the second year for the fair, set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the post, 1 Lynn Lane, in Cedar Hill.
“It’s definitely bigger (this year),” post-commander Eva Maloney said. “Word is getting around to different vendors that we’re doing this. We’re utilizing Facebook more to push out information to different forums. It’s growing for sure.”
Maloney said 43 vendors will set up stalls at the fair, and a large majority of them will offer handcrafted items made in Missouri.
Some of the vendors include JKL Woodworks in Luebbering; Daisy Oaks Ranch in Dixon, which specializes in farm-to-table products; and Cable’s Country Kitchen in Potosi, selling baked goods.
“The love these people put into their products is great,” Maloney said. “I personally like supporting local artists and local people more so than large chain stores.”
Maloney said admission to attend the fair is free. The fees vendors will pay to take part in the fair will go toward funding the VFW’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show next summer.
“One of the goals of the VFW is helping the community, supporting the community,” Maloney said. “It’s a win-win for the VFW.”
Maloney said Girl Scout Troop 732 in Hillsboro will have a stall at the fair and sell handmade crafts for a community-service project.
The troop will use the funds generated at the fair to help pay off student lunch debts.
VFW volunteers will make and sell chili and nachos at the event, Maloney said.
“Come on in and do some holiday shopping,” she said.