Well, summer, it was fun. But us crafters are ready to celebrate fall with a return to our cozier crafts. May the knitting, cooking and (of course) shopping commence!
While we can't write about every craft fair and marketplace happening across the country (or the world), we do like to highlight a handful of notable ones each week. If you'd like more people to know about your craft show or event, list it on our Craft Map and we'll gladly consider it for coverage. You can also email us at info@craftfoxes.com.
The Midwest
Anderson County's Cornstock
Sept 23-25, (Fri) 5-8, (Sat) 7-9:30 pm
Perhaps one of the most innovative small-town craft events that we've seen in a while, the Cornstock Festival of Anderson County features both traditional crafts like a cornbread baking contest as well as wacky events like a lawn mower derby and even a dachshund dog race! Who knew weiner dogs could even get above a waddle?
North Lake Park, Garnett, KS, 785-448-6767, info.cornstock@gmail.com, Cornstock
Strassenfest Sept 24-25
There's something about fall that ellicits a craving for tradition, and with Strassenfest, a craft and street fair celebrating Washington, Missouri's, German heritage, that's exactly what visitors get. We're excited to browse the unique handcrafts of over 50 artisans, but our favorite feature? The strudel bake-off.
Historic Downtown, Washington, MO 636-239-1743, events@downtownwashmo.org, Strassenfest
The East
World's Largest Yard Sale Sept 24, 8:30-4
As if we haven't had enough national disasters this year ... enter 7,000 bargain hunters and one giant yard sale. Uh-oh. It sounds more like a WWF event than a friendly shopping spree. But when that bargain bug bites, who are we to resist?
The Fairgrounds, 42nd St, Hamburg, NY, 716-852-9292, karen.konecko@townsquaremedia.com, The Fairgrounds
Society for Contemporary Craft Throughout the fall, hours depend on class
This Steel City staple has launched its fall semester of crafts. Choose between day-long workshops exploring fiber, metal, wood and paper, or head to the SCC's Drop-in Class, where local artists create kid and adult-friendly crafts that connect to the current gallery exhibit. Plus, admission to the SCC is always free.
The South
D.C. VegFest Sept 24, 11-6
Even if you are a vegan heathen, consider attending this veg-head food event. Yeah, sure, go for the vegan and raw cooking demos or even the book signings. But want to know what's really got our apron strings in a knot? The cupcake-eating contest from
Sticky Fingers Bakery, winner of
Food Network's Cupcake Wars.
George Washington University, University Yard, 2000 blk of H St., NW, Washington DC 301-891-2458, DC VegFest
Tennessee Association of Craft Artists' Fall Craft Fair Sept 23-25, (Fri-Sat) 10-6, (Sun) 10-5
Not much can beat a southern Saturday and a unique craft fair when it comes to celebrate fall. As wall as lots of local and national talent, this craft event features kid activities, hands-on demonstrations and
Olen Bryant, a hand-crafting Tennessee treasure.
The West
Fest Italiana Sept 24-25, (Sat) 10-9, (Sun) 10-6
Further proof that body-by-pasta is the way to go, Rossella Rago (host of WebTV's
Cooking with Nonna) will be the main draw at this unique Seattle craft event. Fest Italiana features Italian cooking demonstrations, grape stomping, pizza tossing and even a bocce tournament. Admission is free, but have fun parking in Seattle for less than $20 an hour.
Seattle Center, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109, 206-282-0627, info@FestaSeattle.com, Fest Italiana
Needle Felting with Moxie Sept 24, 1-4
Hand felting is no longer for the meek of heart. Sassy (and slightly scary) fiber artist and author Moxie is teaching needle felting at the
Dharma Tradition Co. Crafters will walk away with several new techniques as well as their own 3-D toys and jewelry.
Photo credits (from top): Erik Anderson,downtonwashmo.org, Len Schrantz, contemporarycraft.org, cok.org, Olen Bryant, festaseattle.com and madebymoxie.com
