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| Photo Courtesy of Pat Martinez |
If shoppers are bringing kids or significant others along, there are a few other entertainment options, such as a Christmas train display with locomotives dating as far back as the early 1900s.
“They’re working, running trains and are actually set up with little villages and everything,” said Linda Orr, show manager of the railway that’s more than 5,000 feet long. “There’s a little bit of everything under the sun. We have over 120 exhibitors, coming from all over.”
One of those vendors, Pat Martinez of RockMyBeads, said she is very excited to be among so many crafters and artisans. “It’s a massive show with a lot of participants, and people can find great gifts they wouldn’t find in a Wal-Mart or at a Macy’s,” she said.
Santa and his elves will also be on hand for kids with last-minute gift requests, and photos are available for purchase. The first 200 guests at the festival will receive a free digital photo. The event will also feature a free gift-wrapping service while supplies are available.
With more than 60,000 square feet of exhibit space showcasing everything from Christmas decorations and holiday-themed gifts to clothing, jewelry, artwork and specialty foods, visitors should spend their first few minutes perusing the offerings, Martinez suggested.
“Otherwise, (shoppers can) end up a little bit confused, because there is so much they want right away,” she said.
Prices are expected to range from a budget-friendly $5 for an ornament to $65 and up for artwork and custom pieces.
Martinez, who creates everything from jewelry to purse bling, is sharing her space with Michaela VanDyke, another local crafter at booth 518. Aside from offering a wider variety of choices, the two also support each other.
“She is the veteran of these shows, but I’m better at talking to people and helping them find what they’re looking for,” Martinez said. Consumers and vendors alike benefit from craft shows such as this one, Martinez said.
“We’re trying to encourage people to buy local and support small businesses and this gives shoppers the ability to find gift options that have been handcrafted to give to someone special.”
Another factor that makes the event desirable for vendors is the timing.
“We decided to do it the weekend before Christmas, because there’s really nothing after the first of December for (crafters to sell their merchandise),” Orr said.
The Holiday Craft and Gift Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults and children 12 and under are free. Tickets are available at the South Point box office. Parking is free in the South Point garage. For more information and discount coupons, visit www.lvcraftfestival.com.
Published on BestOfLasVegas.com
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