SEASON OF THE FAIR

'Tis the season for artisan talents to emerge from every corner of the State and present their year's worth of creations at market. To market, to market they come and the bountiful holiday fair season is in full swing. Beginning as early as mid-November and continuing to mid-December, one could easily over spend attending them all. So over the years I've formed an allegiance to one, found some new and attempted to practice a bit of fiscal responsibility.

A recent favorite is The Festival of Lights Craft & Gift Market held the Saturday after Thanksgiving at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. From white chocolate snowflakes, hand knits and wood carved shells to stockings and hats created from recycled sweaters, the quality of goods offered by the seventy exhibitors at this fair is extraordinary. A $3 donation gets you in for all your shopping pleasure between the hours of 9 to 3. http://www.therealmaine.com/

While in the Mid-coast area, join in the Festival of Lights Celebration , November 28 to 30 in downtown Rockland. Noontime on November 28, Santa will arrive by lobster boat at the town dock. Main Street merchants have afternoon activities and finally the day's festivities conclude with the Lobster Trap Tree Lighting at 6:00pm. http://www.therealmian.com/

In my hometown of Portland, the must visit fair begins at 6pm on the first Friday of December and runs through Sunday. Originating at Maine College of Art as a venue for their students and alumni to sell creative endeavors, this fair has grown to become MECA-SEA (Maine College of Art and Society of Eastend Artists) FAIR held for three days at the East End School on The Eastern Prom. It's a real bustle of activity. Shoulder to shoulder shoppers seeking their favorite artists and artisans. I can't say that bigger is always better but it's heartwarming to see such support for the talented creative community that inhabits Portland. And yes, even though it's not the quaint fair of years gone by and has grown to fill the school gym and lunch room, I'll attend because one never knows what golden nugget will be found amidst all this emerging talent. www.holidaysale@meca.edu.

Two new fairs are on my list this year.

SPACE GALLERY, 538 Congress Street, Portland, ME. will present (yes present is the correct description for this "happening" event) its fun and funky SHOP-A-DO CRAFTASTIC ART SALE on Wednesday, December 10 from 4 to 10 pm. This is where you will find the "really" new creations from the freshest artists and crafts people on the block. Maybe Miss Peacock from the May Tag Sale will be there dispensing good fortunes for 2009! (We can only hope.) For a complete listing of exhibitors, check the web site http://www.space538.org/. Live music by BAM BAM and adult refreshments with proper ID and cash.

PORTLAND POTTERY, 118 Washington Street, Portland, Maine will be opening its doors on December 12, 13, 14 for "products beyond pottery." Yes, they are home to a consortium of brilliant potters, but I'm going in search of duct tape products from Ben and Sam. I first found them at a fall festival and purchased a camo duct tape wallet for my son and a blue and gold duct tape flower pen for myself. These two guys are creative and industrious. Prices are beyond reasonable. www.ducttapeitems@aol.com

I'm also on a mission to find more Carol Marshall pottery. She creates perfect small versions of larger bowls. When first discovered, my initial reaction was that I wanted four or five for a display. I exercised some discipline and purchased only one, which has become my favorite nut bowl. I now realize that more could be used for other condiments and condiments are my favorite food group! Decisions, decisions!

Details are available at http://www.portlandpottery.com/

Oh, yes! Speaking of food groups. Fair food is always home made and prepared with an abundance of love. So indulge in the "Season of the Fair." It comes but once a year. If you feel inclined, send me a note about your favorite fair and/or fair find.