Antioch's Fall Arts & Crafts Faire offers holiday ideas for shoppers
Antioch Chamber of Commerce's 15th annual Fall Arts & Crafts Faire is back this weekend. Director Barbara Porch tells us what you need to know.
Q. What happens at this event?
A. Antioch's Fall Arts & Crafts Faire is a collection of more than 100 booths of the country's most creative artisans and crafters in downtown Antioch.
Q. How long has this event been in existence? How has it changed, and what is new this year?
A. Antioch's Fall Arts & Crafts Faire is in its 15th year. This popular event will be held in its new location on Toft Street and in the large municipal parking lot off Toft. Toft Street is one block west of Route 83, which is Antioch's Main Street.
Q. What's the highlight of the event?
A. The highlight of Antioch's Fall Arts & Crafts Faire is Holiday! This is the perfect place to come for holiday ideas, decor, gifts, etc.
Q. Are there specific examples of how this event has had a positive effect in the community?
A. The Antioch Chamber hosts this faire to provide a family-friendly event to our community and also to bring shoppers into Antioch's business community. Our shops and restaurants see a strong surge in foot traffic during this weekend event. We encourage our shops to open their doors and "spill out" onto the sidewalks to hold mini sales outside.
Q. What kind of activities will appeal to kids and families?
A. Families always enjoy browsing among our 100+ craft booths. Kids like seeing seasonal toys on display and will also have opportunities to enjoy kids' activities by Hastings Lake YMCA.
Q. What about adults? What does the event offer them?
A. Our savvy shoppers are always eager to get a head start on their holiday shopping. Plus our faire browsers will get many ideas for their own holiday decorating and entertaining!
Q. What kinds of food and beverages will be for sale?
A. Since our faire is being held in the heart of downtown Antioch, our shoppers can enjoy many different dining opportunities. Plus the faire features the Moose Lodge and their outdoor BBQ. Burgers, hot dogs and more will be available. This year we also have funnel cakes!
Q. Tell us about the volunteers and organizers who pull this together.
A. One of the nicest things about Antioch is our wide array of volunteers. The Antioch Chamber plans many of our events with other civic groups and organizations to allow fundraising opportunities to benefit many charitable activities. Our fall faire will include assistance or booth space for the Northern Illinois Conservation Club, Knights of Columbus, St. Peter's Athletic Club, Antioch's Moose Lodge, Hastings Lake YMCA, and with the cooperation of the Village of Antioch.
Q. Is there anything else we should know?
A. The Antioch chamber is proud to host four seasonal craft faires each year. Applications and information for the four crafts faires for 2010 are already available online. The Antioch chamber offers "early bird" savings for booth space if crafters sign up before the early bird deadlines.
Antioch also has new, exciting holiday promotions in store for this December, including our Christmas Cash Stimulus Plan, where shoppers can receive free money; our Holiday Pets on Parade Day; Antioch's Christmas Walk; Santa's Family Village; Horse Drawn Carriage Rides; free Magic Show; and free Holiday Movie, to name a few. There are many exciting activities and events in store for Antioch this holiday season!
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> Antioch Chamber of Commerce's Fall Arts & Crafts Faire</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Downtown Antioch, on Toft Street, which is one block west of Main Street/Route 83</p> <p class="News"><b>Admission cost:</b> Free</p> <p class="News"><b>More info:</b> <a href="http://antiochchamber.org" target="new">antiochchamber.org</a> or (847) 395-2233</p>