WATSONVILLE — Flocks of people kicked off the beginning of the Christmas season on the first day of December at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.
That was when the 40th annual Heritage Holiday Craft & Gift Fair began its three-day run.
And the event, celebrating its fourth decade, is the biggest yet, said Ron Haedicke, who co-chairs the event with Trevor Bautista-Sawyer. More than 135 vendors line the Harvest, J.J. Crosetti and Fine Arts buildings.
“People are coming in droves,” Haedicke said, nearly two hours after the fair opened Friday.
The quality of the goods available for purchase has always been top-notch, but this year the quality is “phenomenal,” Haedicke said.
“It’s a very classy show,” he said.
The three buildings at the fairgrounds are stuffed with crafts, antiques, toys, collectibles, food and more.
Food is being served by Ella’s at the Airport and GraceWorks Bible Church.
In one large display in the J.J. Crosetti Building, Brenda Rackley is showcasing her plant designs, and is joined by her sister Cindy Skemp Garnero, who is offering a variety of art from reclaimed materials that she creates with her husband Mike Garnero. Rounding out the booth is Jen Slinger of Snapdragon Ceramics.
The Garneros are participating in the craft fair for the first time, showing all types of unique art created from such recycled materials as copper, glass and metal, and they even brought in a kitchen sink, used as a pot for succulents.
“I absolutely love it,” Skemp Garnero said. “It’s been my passion. And I’m doing it with my favorite person in the world, my husband.”
The fair runs today and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will arrive both days from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for pictures.
The last two hours of each day will be Happy Hour, featuring $5 drinks at the bar.
Admission is $6, and children under 5 are free. Parking is free.
The all-volunteer-run event raises funds for the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation. For information, visit fairgrounds-foundation.org/holiday-fair.
