Tri-Cities arts and crafts

Nov. 20-21

Holiday bazaar: Ambition Dance and Performing Arts, 184 N. La Fox in South Elgin, will host its first holiday craft bazaar from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. The vendors will include: Beijo Purses, Bottle Cap Top Necklaces, Close to My Heart, Girls-Hair Bowes and Ties, Glass Blown Jewelry, It's a Girl Thing, Lia Sophia, Marshmallow Creations, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Partylite, Send Out Cards and Tastefully Simple. Gold Rush gold buyers will also be here so bring your gold to earn cash. At 1 p.m., there will be a Zumba fitness demonstration and dance performances throughout the day. For details, call (847) 841-1447.

Nov. 21

Holiday Craft Fair: Marklund's 2009 Holiday Craft Fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Marklund Hyde Center, 1S450 Wyatt Drive, Geneva. There will be many crafters selling handmade items. The Holiday Craft Fair also welcomes cosmetics and food vendors. In addition, there will be a Marklund booth featuring items handcrafted by Marklund's developmental training clients. For details, contact Peggy Szarzynski at (630) 593-5475 or pszarzynski@marklund.org.

Shop for Shelter: St. Mark's Lutheran Church in St. Charles will host a benefit for Lazarus House, "Shop for Shelter," from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. There will be more than 25 vendor booths featuring fashion, jewelry, health and beauty, home goods, kitchen ware, and more. There will be door prizes and giveaways, as well as a cafe for refreshments. Visit the K-LOVE radio and Lazarus House booths. Admission and parking are free. The church is at 101 S. Sixth Ave., St. Charles. For details, call (630) 888-6755.

Craft fair: Jefferson Middle School, 1151 Plum St., Aurora, is looking for vendors/crafters to be part of the school's first craft fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. Booth rental is $20 for a 10-by-10-foot space, $5 for an 8-foot table and $5 for electricity; limited space is available. All vendors are required to donate one item to be raffled with a minimum value of $10. Any vendor interested in participating can call Assistant Principal Melena Gaspadarek at (630) 301-5306. The craft fair is sponsored by the Jefferson Middle School's Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports team. Proceeds will benefit Jefferson students.

Christmas Fair: The Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren invites the community to its "Peace on Earth" Christmas Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the church, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. For sale will be handicrafts, baked goods, religious books, fair trade gifts, specialty foods and peace-themed items. Lunch will be provided by the church youth. Blood donation will be available; call the church office to schedule an appointment. All proceeds will benefit local and global charities, including Habitat for Humanity, Heifer International, Soup Kettle, PADS, Koinonia Farms, SERRV, Equal Exchange. For details, call (847) 741-5124 or visit hacob.org.

Nov. 21-22

Festival of Arts & Crafts Show: The show will feature 170 booths of quality handcrafted items from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at the DuPage Expo, 4050 E. Main St., St. Charles. Cost is $2, free for kids younger than 12. There is free parking. For exhibitor information, call (847) 301-8543 or visit stepbystepcraftshows.com.

Nov. 27

MALLternative - A Holiday Bazaar and Vendor Show: Calvary's Holiday Bazaar and Vendor Show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at Calvary Episcopal Church, 222 S. Batavia Ave. (Route 31) in Batavia. It will include crafts, holiday items, things for the home and jewelry. All proceeds benefit the outreach ministries of Calvary, including such local agencies as Mutual Ground, Lazarus House, Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Hesed House. Admission is free.

Nov. 28-29

Christmas Craft Show: Marmion Academy Alumni Association is sponsoring its 19th annual "A Marmion Family Christmas" craft show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, in the school gymnasium, 1000 Butterfield Road in Aurora. Parking is free both days, with free shuttle bus service Saturday. The Sports Boosters will have food service available both days. Admission is $3 for ages 12 and older. Santa Claus will be visiting the show Sunday and will be available for photos from noon to 2 p.m. No strollers will be allowed in the show area, but free baby-sitting will be available. For information, call (630) 897-6936, ext. 228.