'Tis the season for craft fairs

Want to get a head start on your Christmas shopping and support local artists and vendors? Craft season is here! Check out the list below of local craft fairs.

1. From Nov. 28 up until Christmas, every Friday through Sunday the annual Ocean Park Pop-Up event will take place at 30 Maine Ave., Ocean Park, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring gift items made by local artisans.

2. On Sunday Nov. 30 at 9 a.m., the third-annual Main Street Market will take place inside the Thornton Academy Linnell Gym, 438 Main St., Saco. This market is the perfect combination of community and local shopping. It’s a great opportunity to experience the creativity of local artists along with getting a head-start for your holiday shopping. There will be over 60 vendors ranging from handcrafted jewelry, home goods, festive decor, cozy apparel, and much more. There will be something for everyone.

3. Heart of Biddeford is hosting the Merry Makerfair holiday market during its annual Merry and Bright Night. The Merry Makerfair will take place Friday, Dec. 5 from 4-8 p.m. at the former courthouse at 25 Adams St., Biddeford. There will be over 50 vendors selling unique, handcrafted items.

4. Saturday Dec. 6 at 9 a.m. an Old Orchard Beach Craft Fair will take place at Loranger Memorial School, 148 Saco Ave., Old Orchard Beach. There will be music, prizes, as well as gift items and food for purchase. Do your Christmas shopping while listening to a live performance from the Wurlitzer Organ.

5. On Saturday Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. shoppers can support local vendors at Saco Grange 53 for the Vendor and Craft Fair, at 168 North St.

6. The Merry Makers Craft Show, presented by the Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen, will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Saco Community Center at Franklin Street. Maine Artisans will be on hand representing a variety of creative crafts, and there will also be raffles and food concessions. Admission is free to all and there will be ample parking.

7. The FerryBeachRetreat and ConferenceCenter will be holding its third-annual Winter Craft Fair at 7 Boardwalk Drive, Saco on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a winter wonderland of festivities including: shopping, holiday bake sale, cookie decorating, a holiday photo booth, and crafts with over 55 local vendors. After shopping, you can stop by the dining hall to purchase lunch to refuel. This event is open to the public and free to attend.