Trés Bazaar

I was born into craft fairs, tagging along with my mom while I was still in diapers, and later even creating my own wares to sell – a festive fabric square tied over Charms blow pops for 25 cents. Sure, it sounds silly now, but as an elementary-school entrepreneur, there was nothing better than making a dollar or two and getting to snack on your product.

And while I've since accepted my fate as a one-hit wonder of the craft circuit, I'm still a gold-star consumer. The abundance of craft choices this weekend were nothing short of overwhelming, but I did my best. My fault when it comes to fairs, though, is I can't early bird. Not so much by choice, more of a no-alarm-clock-on-Saturday-mornings rule, but when you're trying to secure some serious "Attic Treasures" from St. Luke's, timeliness matters. But, even with my lateness, I found an old hand-tooled leather handbag at the 75 State Street sale, and at $1, does it matter if I need it? I can always gift it, which would actually be the purpose of all the holiday bazaars...I'll keep it in mind.

But if you missed the holiday fairs due to endlessly long Thanksgiving lines at the grocery store or turdukenoostrich (or is it turduckengoostrich?) assembling, the best of the best are still upcoming. Not your grandmama's craft fairs, Biddeford's Blissful Revolution is a handmade extravaganza that will feature all mediums (including tarot for a little holiday clarity), and Portland's MECA/SEA Holiday Art Sale at the East End Community School features students work along with community artists. I'm still lamenting my non-purchase of a purse hanger from last year, but, fingers crossed I'll be able to buy one for all the social butterflies (er, bar flies) on this year's list.

So mark your calendars, Blissful hits Dec. 8 and MECA opens Nov. 30. And if Thursday's looming so large it's hard to see beyond the sweet potatoes, at least let the thought of local, handmade presents occupy your thoughts during Drunk Uncle's third monologue.