This year, this beloved event with more than 140 fine craftsmen, will be held in early November. Event dates are Nov. 8 & 9. The fair will be held at the splendid facilities of the newly-renovated, Manheim Township High School.  The fair was originally held at F&M College on Thanksgiving weekend, but was relocated for 2008.

“It’s the start of a new era for this fine Holiday fair,” Nick Mohler, Guild program manager, explained.  “Thanksgiving weekend is synonymous with sales at outlets and malls.  Yet our fair is about exceptional quality. To make that very clear, we needed to change weekends.”

However, changing the weekend meant the Guild could no longer stay at Franklin & Marshall, which is only able to rent the sports facility on that one weekend in November.

“Once we changed the date, it became clear we would need to change location,” Mohler recalled.  At the same time of this decision for us, Manheim Township High School’s new gymnasium was under construction. The school district contacted the Guild and negotiations began immediately. “The timing was nearly perfect. We had an event that needed a new venue and the school district had a new venue that needed our event.”

The partnership between Manheim Township School District and the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen has lead to even greater community ties.  The Guild has worked extensively with the Art Department to bring expert craftsmen into the classroom, to arrange for a student/teacher art exhibition and gallery booths, as well as mentorships and volunteer opportunities. In addition, school booster clubs are involved and able to fundraise for teams and school clubs.

The fair itself will feature nearly 140 craftspeople and artists who blend style, excellence and skill, to bring you the best in functional and decorative home décor, designer clothing, jewelry, gifts, furniture and more.  Each item, whether a piece of pottery or framed art, has been designed, created and finished by the artist represented in the booth. 

As an educational arts nonprofit, the Guild provides the opportunity to observe demonstrations by master craftsmen. Learn what it takes to create individual masterpieces from pottery throwing to wood carving and more. 

Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 8 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 9. Admission is $7; receive $1 off with our special online coupon or this article.  Kids under 12 are absolutely free!