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World Craft Bazaar this weekend

Saturday Nov. 22 from 10 to 4 p.m. and Sunday 10 to 3 p.m. at the Filberg Centre
54 - Vietnam
Victoria’s 10

The Fiesta World Craft Bazaar will show many faces on Saturday Nov. 22 from 10 to 4 p.m. and Sunday  10 to 3 p.m. at the Filberg Centre and they will all be smiling.

There will be the faces of the hundreds of artisans who have created the unique quality crafts that will arrive from around the world.  There will be the faces of the many non-profit and business vendors who will come from Vancouver and up and down the Island.  And there will be faces of the people of the Comox Valley who again will be amazed and delighted with this opportunity to shop the world right at home.

This is Fiesta’s 22nd year, and it has been wonderful to watch it grow.  Last year over 2,500 people wandered the bazaar over the two days, many came for the delicious ethnic lunch and most certainly many found that special something that they feel good about giving this Christmas.

There is always something new at Fiesta. This year there will be many beautiful door prizes donated by the vendors.

There will again be childcare provided by the talented and hardworking Interact Clubs from our three local High Schools.

We have at least seven new vendors joining us.  Mosqoy works with over 100 weavers in the Andean mountains of Peru.  We are the fortunate ones who can enjoy the treasures they create.

Alison Rustand works with women in the mountains of Bolivia creating beautiful knitted mitts, scarves and woven bags from alpaca wool.

Paula Terrio Boyd of Marigold Collective will be coming over from Vancouver with her beautiful scarves.  Marigold partners with women-focused Fair Trade Artisan Cooperatives in developing countries.  Karma Roatan will be coming with handcrafted artisan jewelry from Honduras.

Hakuna Matata Designs will be bringing ethically sourced products from Kenya and Ethiopia in order to support training and employment opportunities for youth in Africa.

Melissa Rickey of Turquoise Poppies from Campbell River will be inspiring you with how to completely reinvent old sweaters.

Barefoot Books will bring a lovely selection of children’s books and all profits will go to support our Syrian Refugee project.

One Leaf Creations from Vancouver will bring exquisite handmade Himalayan knitwear and traditional Tibetan shawls, throws, and blankets.

The ever-popular 10,000 Villages Store will bring a truckload of wonders from their store in Victoria; textiles, carvings, ornaments, toys, musical instruments, fair trade food products, and so much more.

There really is something for every pocket book, from hacky sacks to carpets!  There will also be opportunities for you to buy an alternative gift or living gift.  Aldea Maya supports students in Guatemala and will provide you with a card that you can give to explain your thoughtful gift.

Fiesta also has another side,  with unique posters, cards, calendars, books and board games. There will also be opportunities for you to buy an alternative gift to help seniors around the world or students in Guatemala.

This year  Fiesta is helping the Syrian Refugee Support Committee who are working to bring in a family.  Please bring any jewelry that you are no longer using and drop it off at their table inside the main door.  You might want to drop off a donation at the same time.

So bring your smiles and remember Fiesta World Craft Bazaar is all about fun, fair trade and food.  Admission is $2, which also gives you an entry for the wonderful array of door prizes. And remember, the Filberg Centre is wheelchair accessible. Visit our website at www.fiestafairtradefair.org to learn more about our artisans and vendors and to watch our promotional video, and  like us on Facebook at Fiesta World Craft Bazaar.  The world is coming!