It's been a Christmas tradition for more than 40 years - and it's back at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts next weekend.
The Burnaby Arts Council's Deer Lake Craft Festival returns to the Shadbolt from Friday, Nov. 21 to Sunday, Nov. 23.
The 43rd annual festival is a major fundraiser for the arts council and its only craft-focused public market.
"We have continued the tradition of jurying artisans for entry and consider only those applicants with the highest quality, hand-crafted creations," said an email from Teena Martin, office manager of the arts council. "Although there is one sweet senior who grows and cultivates her own live orchids, so we could not resist including her in the event!"
The festival includes 50 artisans - among them glass blowers, sculptors, potters, woodworkers, fashion and jewelry designers, and many more. There will also be a selection of artisans offering season edibles - chocolates, mixed spices, Christmas cakes, cookies, jams and jellies, and designer honey.
Martin highlights a few of those who will be on hand: "returning artists such as Violet Finvers' creative glass work, Jennifer Conway and her Raven's Rest Studio featuring handcrafted funky gifts and accessories, to Andrew Riddle's woodwork that will appeal to those who love the smell of fresh-cut wood and repurposed design."
The festival will also include entertainment, with a variety of performers scheduled to entertain throughout the weekend - including the Royal City Concert Band, the Gloria Dei Chorale, a creative storyteller and others.
The festival will also include the popular raffle table, with a variety of donated items from businesses, arts council board members and crafters, plus daily door prizes.
"Don't miss out on the opportunity to finish all of your Christmas shopping in one location, well before that December deadline!" Martin invites.
Admission and parking are free. The festival runs Friday from 2 to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more about the craft festival, check out www.burnabyartscouncil.org.
