It's gift shopping season again, and I am already suffering the yearly symptoms that come from stressing over what to buy for impossible family members. My conscience is working against me as well, as I have been telling everyone the benefits of supporting fair trade and local business.
This results in one big headache. If you are facing the same dilemma I am -- impossible family and friends to buy for while trying to save the world one locally-made doily at a time -- there are several events for people like us over the next two weekends.
Kicking things off is the third annual The local art fair is a laid-back, fun affair. People can shop with a drink in hand and listen to music while making a day of finding presents at the music venue on the near east side. Interest in the Craftacular has grown considerably over the past year, with more vendor applicants than can fit inside the High Noon.
The High Noon Saloon will be busy with shoppers once again next weekend with the Holiday Fair Trade Fair presented by Madison Hours, which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fair trade gifts are trendy right now, but Madison Hours, a co-op that operates a local currency system, has been hosting this fair for the past 11 years. Last year's event had 30 vendors and 300 visitors at High Noon, and Jon Hain, president of the co-op's board of directors, hopes this year's gathering will see even more people buying local and international fair trade products.
"The object of the fair is to provide a setting where people can do their holiday shopping locally and where they can spend Madison Hours local currency to do so," says Hain. "While it is important to purchase imported goods that are produced in decent working conditions and where the producers are paid fairly, it is equally important to support our local talent."
Most of the participants in the fair are from Madison and produce their wares locally. The vendors include Art Paul Schlosser, the local organic chocolatier and Next month also brings the Fair Trade Holiday Festival, which will be held at the MATC downtown campus on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All three of these fairs will be a great addition to your holiday shopping schedule away from the madness of Black Friday and big box stores, so be sure to mark your calendars.
