I think I’ve become hard to shop for. I’m a very blessed person who has everything I need. We try to keep our possessions to a minimum in our household, less to dust that way, so I’m not one who collects a lot of things. My husband has an affinity for “junk,” so items we choose to display usually are full of purpose or deep meaning. That’s why I’ve always had a soft spot for homemade art and handcrafted goods. They carry the maker’s story, not just a price tag, and they bring warmth into a home in a way mass-produced items never can.
That’s why craft shows are the perfect spot for special gifts for people who may be a little hard to shop for, like me (wink, wink). Luckily for locals, the Agate Bay Crafters have a Craft Show scheduled for Saturday, December 13, from 10 – 4 PM, just in the (Saint) nick of time. The event, held at the Two Harbors Community Center, will feature arts, crafts, and baked goods as well as a holiday backdrop photo op for a perfect Christmas card capture.
“We have quilters, knitters, painters, jewelry, candles, soap… all the homemade things,” said Sarah Cox, Agate Bay Crafters’ show coordinator, who has been with the group for over two decades. “There’s baked goods. We’ll definitely have Christmas cookies. We always have coffee and candy canes out for Christmas.”
The Agate Bay Crafters have been a club since the 1990s, started by locals as a way to share the cost of putting on a craft show. The group has been putting on annual shows since the beginning, starting with one show in June and concluding with December’s extravaganza. When space allows, non-club members are also welcome to set up shop.
“November and December shows are the two biggest ones of the year because that’s when people start thinking about Christmas shopping,” reported Cox. “A lot of people find the location of the community center the easiest. That’s where they think to find us, so it’s been the best location.”
Cox encourages folks to attend and shop locally, reminding people that these shows are more than just a marketplace. They are a way to sustain traditions and support neighbors.
“This really is a small business for a lot of crafters,” she explained. “They put a lot of effort into it, and they market themselves and package their goods as a small business. Some people do it just to be able to afford to keep doing the craft they love, but for a lot of them, it is their small business you’re supporting.”
The show has been a favorite for many over the years, and a perfect opportunity to find last-minute treasures and stocking stuffers from folks who made their products with love.
“People do so much work to get ready for these shows,” said Cox. “We want to make it the best show we can. We love to see people come by. We see a lot of the same people each year, and then we see new people, and it’s all good.”
So whether you are hunting for a one-of-a-kind quilt, a bar of handmade soap, or simply a plate of Christmas cookies to sweeten the season, the Agate Bay Crafters’ holiday show offers more than shopping. It is a gathering of tradition, creativity, and community spirit. Stop by the Two Harbors Community Center on December 13 and discover gifts made with heart, right here at home.
