NORTH END – Faires and bazaars alike beckon North Enders to get a jump start on holiday shopping. As an extra bonus, early birds can support local merchants and talented artists at the plethora of festivities running through November.
NK Holiday Fest, Poulsbo
North Kitsap High, located at 1780 NE Hostmark in Poulsbo, is hosting NK Holiday Fest once again this weekend with all proceeds supporting the associated student body.
This is the 21st annual NK Fest, said Mary Aitchison, who said she’s helped gear up for and put together 20 fests in the past.
Nearly 100 vendors are showing their crafty talents this year, which is a bit fewer than usual because of the construction of the school’s commons area.
“We used to have 131 and people are still calling,” she said. “It has to be all hand-crafted unless they can’t get into the show.”
This year, the vendors will set up in the main and auxillary gyms.
From jewelry to art, pottery, hats and clocks, Aitchison expects it all to be there, plus more.
“You have to use your imagination. I’m always amazed at what people can do,” she said adding local chocolate celebrity Peter Crabtree, owner of CBC chocolates, will also be there.
“We are always busy both days,” she said.
Entry is $3 cash per person from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Green and Global Holiday Faire, Suquamish
A few miles south of the NK Fest is Suquamish’s Green and Global Holiday Faire, presenting alternatives to regular gift giving. The Suquamish United Church of Christ is holding its first ever holiday fair devoted to “giving green,” said Susan Hancock, event co-coordinator.
The goal: to give donations to local nonprofits “instead of giving stuff just to give a present,” Hancock said. Donations can be made in someone else’s name and then a card can be gifted instead of a material item.
Faire shoppers also have to option to purchase presents too, including garden art, jewelry, new and gently used items, organic products and tree seedlings.
Some local nonprofits to make gift donations during the event include the Suquamish Foundation, devoted to the resurgence of the culture of Suquamish Tribe, Kingston’s Stillwaters Environmental Center, Kingston’s ShareNet food bank, Bainbridge Island’s West Sound Wildlife Shelter, Kitsap Foster Care, Habitat for Humanity and Grounds for Change Coffee & Chocolate.
The day’s event will also showcase live music entertainment, a “haute trash fashion show” and guest speakers.
At 11 a.m. Andy Cochrane, a solar energy specialist based in Port Townsend, will present “Spin your meter backwards,” and offer ideas to make homes more solar efficient.
Local “Trees and Treetures” expert Jim Trainer, known for his remarkable knowledge of local heritage trees, takes the stage at 2 p.m., following the Stillwater’s storytellers, The Frog Chorus, at 1 p.m. and West Sound Wildlife’s Shelter “Owls of Washington” at noon.
A presentation on climate change starts at 3 p.m., followed by Kitsap County Public Work’s Toni Fuller’s “Waste Free Holiday Program” at 4 p.m.
The Green and Global Holiday Faire runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the church, located at 18732 Division Ave. N, Suquamish. Admission is free and open to the public.
Holiday fair, Hansville
Next weekend is also chock full of holiday goodies.
The annual Hansville Arts and Crafts Guild Holiday Fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 7 and 8 in the Greater Hansville Area Community Center.
Lynn Hix, who helps put together the fair, said all art is juried, or looked at, before it’s displayed.
“That way we know there’s no junk,” she said. This year 30 vendors will showcase different kinds of art including photographers and bowls crafted by wood-turners. All artists are local.
The fair also will have a cafe so shoppers can refuel, Hix said.
“That makes it easy. It’s where the husbands can go sit while wives shop,” she added, laughing.
Event admission and parking is free. The community center is located at Buck Lake County Park in Hansville.
Holiday Bazaar, Indianola
The Indianola Arts and Crafts Holiday Bazaar takes place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Indianola Clubhouse.
Specialty works, prints, garden art, jewelry, photography, fabric and wood work will be available for purchase.
The Indianola Clubhouse is located at 20446 Indianola Road.
Holiday Craft Bazaar, Kingston
Completing the month of head-start holiday shopping is the holiday craft bazaar hosted by the Sunshine Ladies of Kingston’s Redeemer United Methodist Church.
The bazaar runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 14 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 15 at Kingston’s Redeemer United Methodist church.
The event features craft items, a Piece of Pie & Coffee Corner, a secret auction and photos with Santa Claus.
Funds raised at the bazaar benefit community and church projects.
Kingston’s Redeemer United Methodist Church is located at 9900 Shorty Campbell Road at Parcell Road off Highway 104.
