One hundred vendors and thousands of shoppers will convene next week for the 30th annual Hilo Christmas Extravaganza Craft Fair.
One hundred vendors and thousands of shoppers will convene next week for the 30th annual Hilo Christmas Extravaganza Craft Fair.
The fair will feature handmade crafts by local artisans and business owners as well as thousands of dollars in door prizes for attendees.
Fair owner Kim Sasaki said last year’s fair drew approximately 80 vendors and 3,700 shoppers and expects an even greater turnout this year.
“I think we’ll get more people, definitely,” Sasaki said, adding that longstanding crowd-favorite vendors — such as jewelry producers Bit of Sugar and jerky business Barefoot Farms — will return along with several newcomers.
One of the more unusual vendors is a woman who makes bags out of cork, Sasaki said, while others will sell handmade bikinis, homemade foods and more.
Other attractions will include a photo booth — a first for the event, Sasaki said — and presenters who blow enormous soap bubbles “as big as a car.” In addition, approximately $2,000 in door prizes will be awarded.
Sasaki said the fair helps support local businesses and craftspeople, as all but a handful of vendors are from the Big Island.
“A lot of people do this full time,” Sasaki said. “And then there are other people who do this on top of a full-time job.”
The fair will take place from 5-9 p.m. Nov. 17 and 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Nov. 18 at Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-purpose Stadium. Admission is $2 for adults 12 and up.