The Harvest Festival is coming back to San Jose this weekend at the newly remodeled San Jose Convention Center! I had the opportunity to check this out last year and it completely exceeded my expectations. There are so many vendors here, it will blow your mind. This year's event will feature over 24,000 different items--all handmade in the US--including original art, clothing, jewelry, gourmet food, and photography. If you are planning on doing Christmas shopping this weekend, these are gifts with a lot more character than what you would typically find in the mall. Live music and a Kid's area will also be in the mix.
Fore more information you can read the press release below or visit their website
over here.
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Black Friday, the Handmade Way
San Jose Harvest Festival Offers Over 24,000 Handmade Arts and Crafts Right in Time for the Holidays
(San Jose, Calif., October 18, 2013)--- This Black Friday, many people are looking for great deals and unique gifts for their friends and family without the stress and hassle of visiting a crowded mall. Shoppers will find all that and more at the San Jose Harvest Festival, happening November 29 - December 1 at the San Jose Convention Center.
The San Jose Harvest Festival is the largest indoor arts and craft shows on the West Coast and was recently rated among the top 200 craft shows in the country. The show offers over 24,000 handmade arts and crafts, including jewelry, original art, clothing, specialty foods, holiday decor, and more.
Attendees can meet the artists who created each item sand even get purchases personalized. Items available range from affordable $5 stocking stuffers to upscale, fine jewelry worth thousands of dollars. The Grand Prize, which will be awarded at the end of the show tour, is a beautiful Randy Polk designed ring and bracelet with Mother of Pearl, diamonds and orange sapphires, valued at over $5,000,
Throughout the weekend, the Harvest Festival offers fabulous live entertainment, including performances from Cash Tribute featuring James Garner. Playing the hits of the famed "Man in Black", Cash Tribute treats audience members to a glimpse into the life and music of Johnny Cash.
New this year to the strolling entertainment is the group Le Jazz Hot. This popular Bay Area gypsy Jazz group will use their traditional Jazz style with classic Holiday favorites, serenading attendees the moment they enter the show.
Gingerbread on the Go will co-host the KidZone and will feature take-and-make gingerbread cookie projects. Nature of Art for Kids, an eco-friendly company offering non-toxic art supplies for children, will also be participating in the KidZone offering crafts using "green" and upcycled materials. Plus, kids of all ages can enjoy live entertainment from Scott Land, an expert marionette performer who is known for his work on the film Team America: World Police.
The official charity of the show is Humane Society Silicon Valley, a non-profit organization committed to animal welfare in every facet. Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) will receive half of the proceeds from shopping bag sales and all of the proceeds from the bag and parcel check.
Loaves and Fishes, a San Jose based non-profit organization which serves free, nutritious meals to the working poor, families, homeless and seniors, will be the food donation partner for the show. Anyone who brings a monetary or non-perishable food donation to the show will receive $2 off their admission.
What: The San Jose Harvest Festival® Original Art and Craft Show
When: November 29-Dec.1st
Where: San Jose Convention Center (150 W. San Carlos St, San Jose CA 95113)
Hours: Friday: 9am – 6pm, Saturday: 10 am – 6pm, Sunday: 10 am – 5pm
Cost: Adults: $9, Seniors (62+): $7, Youth (13-17): $4, 12 & Under: Free
ABOUT THE HARVEST FESTIVAL ORIGINAL ART AND CRAFT SHOW®:
The Harvest Festivals began 41 years ago in San Francisco as a destination for artists and craftspeople to sell their handmade products. Today, the event has grown to encompass nine shows in the state of California and Nevada, continuing its tradition of only featuring arts and crafts made in the United States. Each exhibitor is subject to a rigid jury process to be selected as an artisan, ensuring a rich diversity and high quality of all products sold. The Harvest Festivals are owned and managed by a Western Exhibitors.
One of the popular items is actually a series of pieces - the Acrylic Cases have found their way into homes but for a variety of reasons. While they sell velour inner cases (to protect jewelry), many customers buy these cases and use them for creative uses -- makeup, crafty items, and more. While yes, there are other stores that carry similar items, MUJI has an array of different shapes and styles to choose from.
The most popular item is one that I actually smelled upon entering the building. Actually the first thing I said was how nice it smelled in the store. That was because of the Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser (large $119.50, small $69.50). It vaporizes water and the essential oil (they have many to choose from, and you can use outside brands as well) and includes a timer so you can set it to go off when you like. No worries about leaving a tea candle lit and accidentally forgetting about it. Eric said that many people end up buying multiple for gifts, so this is definitely their number one selling item.
