Holiday craft fairs return

Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Samantha Ray, owner of Soul Slinging, talks with customers while selling handmade clothing and jewelry during the 2022 Hilo Christmas Extravaganza craft fair at Edith Kanaka‘ole Multipurpose Stadium in Hilo.
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Three holiday craft fairs are right around the corner.

As Christmas approaches, the craft fairs bring small, local businesses to one place where shoppers can look at unique goods that make great gifts for family and friends.

The largest craft fair in Hilo is the 34th annual Hilo Christmas Extravaganza Craft Fair, which will be at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multipurpose Stadium on Friday, Nov. 17, through Saturday, Nov. 18.

The highly anticipated event, organized by Kim Sasaki of Malamapono Management LLC, celebrates creativity and community as shoppers can browse an array of unique, handcrafted Christmas gifts and decorations.

The event also offers plenty of food vendors, prizes and more.

“This event provides a platform for local artists and artisans to display their one-of-a-kind creations,” Sasaki said. “By attending the Christmas Extravaganza, you are not only embracing the spirit of the season but also supporting the creative talent right here in Hawaii.”

This year’s show is the largest Extravaganza to date, with over 110 vendors, including 36 brand-new vendors.

The fair will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3:00 pm. Entry is $2, and keiki under 12 are free.

This Saturday, the Hilo Daijingu is hosting the eighth annual Holiday Vendor and Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Attendees can walk inside and outside the temple, located at 10 Anela St. in Hilo, to visit the 54 craft vendors featured this year. This will be Hilo Daijingu’s craft fair yet, according to organizer Kelly Araki.

To accommodate a larger crowd, there will be more public parking at nearby Waiakea Intermediate School.

The Manono Street Marketplace also will host its Fall Festive Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, and Saturday, Nov. 18.

Manono Street Marketplace, located at 681 Manono St. in Hilo, hosts craft fairs throughout the year that feature dozens of local businesses and vendors.

The Fall Festive will gives shoppers and visitors another place to find unique handmade gifts for family, friends or for themselves, with plenty of time before the holiday season.

Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.