(Andrew T. Yarbrough / Fourth Estate)

Annual craft show highly recommended amongst vendors returns for its 39th year

BY ANDREW T. YARBROUGH, STAFF WRITER

The City of Fairfax held its Annual Holiday Craft Show last weekend, showcasing more than 260 craft and food vendors. 

This premium arts and craft show has been held at Fairfax High School for the past 39 years and has become a holiday tradition in the local community. 

Over the past few decades, people have come to know its name and reputation simply due to its growth and success. 

This year, the event brought crowded halls full of local and regional sellers showcasing items ranging from sculptures to handmade fabrics and linens. 

The show also had a concession stand for vendors and guests to have a bite to eat while browsing the merchants tables.

Kay Kaelin, administrative services coordinator for City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation, and Mitzi Taylor, event and athletic manager for City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation, both described the craft fair as “one of their favorite events.”

Taylor explained that the art show had a jury, with over 500 people submitting applications in the spring. She said five judges chose the top contestants based on “quality, originality, uniqueness and popularity of the current time.” 

Members of the Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild, a local group for vendors, have recommended this particular event amongst themselves. 

Two of the first-year vendors, Margaret Molinari with MargArts and Cynthia Gossage with Paige’s Pieces, were recommended to the event by experienced sellers. Both Gossage and Molinari travelled to the craft show from Maryland, showing the large reach this event has.

One vendor, Diane Cairns with Virginia Stained Glass, talked about the history of the Handcrafters Guild, which has been around for 52 years. Cairns said she has been coming to this particular event for around 25 years, simply because it’s “busy and well organized.” 

Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild is also having its own Arts and Craft Show on Thanksgiving weekend.

Jennifer Van Pernis with Distinctive Fabrications, also a 25-year seller, mentioned how the show is one of the “biggest events outside of [the] Dulles Expo [Center]” and has always had a “decent booth price” when compared to other events in the area. 

She said she’s seen a lot of growth in the event over the years.

A coat check table at the entrance to the event held a donation box to raise money for families in need during the holidays.

Not all of the tables at the Holiday Craft Show were vendors. 

Two tables were run by Fairfax High School Chorus and Historic Fairfax City, Inc, both selling the 2025 White House Christmas Ornament to raise money for their respective organizations.

The joy and excitement shown at this event helped get people into the holiday spirit through shopping and supporting local and regional artists.

Upcoming holiday events in the City of Fairfax include the Holiday Market, the Festival of Lights & Carols and Claus & Cookies.