It’s a craft-tastic weekend as we get into the holiday shopping season.

Pam Marino here, thinking about all the gift buying I hope to do tomorrow, Nov. 22 at the Carmel “Craftapalooza,” a long-time city tradition that has grown into one of the must-see craft fairs on the Monterey Peninsula.

Even though I’ve lived here for almost 10 years, I never made it to the craft-tastic event until last year. Now that I’ve experienced it, I can see why people return again and again. It’s like the Costco of craft fairs, so many possible gift ideas in a few square blocks.

What started decades ago as an outlet for local crafters to sell their wares, the 54th Homecrafters’ Marketplace in the Sunset North parking lot at the corner of San Carlos and 8th is the seed of what is now a mega-craft event in downtown Carmel. It’s the largest of the four events taking place tomorrow, with more than 70 local, or at least regional, craft vendors who were handpicked by a panel of discerning residents.

I’m hoping that the people who make amazing wreaths out of eucalyptus and other natural materials will be there again. Sadly, I passed on picking up a wreath last year. I’m ready to pick one out for my front door this time around.

What I did purchase included a beautiful ceramic bowl for my best friend’s birthday and a handmade cutting board made up of different colored wood for my brother and sister-in-law as a housewarming gift. 

Just across the street from Sunset Center is the Carmel Woman’s Club Annual Artisan Event, at San Carlos and 9th, where more unique craft items can be found, including vintage Christmas decor and succulent pumpkins. 

Two churches are also hosting craft fairs: All Saints’ Episcopal Church at Dolores and 9th, and Church of the Wayfarer at Lincoln and 7th. 

If you get hungry there’s food: The Carmel Lions Club has a food tent at the Homecrafters’ Marketplace, selling meal deals featuring hot dogs, brats or tri-tip, plus chips and a beverage; the Big Sur Taco truck will be stationed outside the Woman’s Club; both churches are selling hot meals.

All four events run from 9am-3pm and it’s free to attend. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a big bag for all the gift items you’ll be scoring. Cross your fingers the weather report holds for no rain.

Over in Salinas, Flair on the Farm is taking place this weekend (10am-4pm Saturday, Nov. 22 and 10am-3pm Sunday, Nov. 23) at the Salinas Sports Complex, 1034 N. Main St. It features 175 vendors. There’s a $5 entrance fee—it’s free if you bring an unwrapped toy or book.

For me, the best part of buying gifts at events like these is lending support to local artisans and small businesses. If you’re thinking about patronizing local businesses this holiday season rather than big, national stores and websites, check out our weekly gift guides, which began with this week’s paper and will continue through Dec. 18.