Tri-Cities Arts & Crafts

November 7-8

Christmas Bazaar and Food Expo: The St. Sophia Philoptochos Society presents its annual Christmas Bazaar and Food Expo from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 in the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church's recreation center, 525 Church Road (near Route 31 and I-90) in Elgin. There will be an assortment of vendors, from jewelry to designer handbags, as well as handcrafted items such as holiday decorations and floral assortments. Another highlight will be the Greek Gourmet Shop where you can find imported goodies from Greece, and after you shop the vendors, take a moment to sit and enjoy some authentic Greek cuisine such as Grecian chicken, gyros, pastitsio, spanakopita and Greek salad. For dessert, they will be offering Greek as well as American coffee and homemade Greek pastries. They will once again have their "Grandma's Attic" section, where shoppers can find hidden treasures among the various donated items. For details, call (847) 888-2822.

November 8

Batavia VFW: The Ladies Auxiliary of the Batavia Overseas Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1197, 645 S. River St., will host a craft show and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. For information or applications, e-mail ladiesaux11972@sbcglobal.net.

November 9

Holiday Harvest Market: On Sunday, Nov. 9, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin will host its annual Holiday Harvest Market from 1 to 3 p.m. at the church, 39W830 Highland Ave. The market, open to the public, features organically grown peppers, greens, shallots, and lots of other veggies, natural meats, infused vinegars, herb mixes and more. Companion to the farmer market is an artisan market with a full selection of handcrafted jewelry, note cards, soaps and lotions, scarves and many other items suitable for people and pet gift giving. View the exhibitors list and flyer at www.NewUU.com/market.

November 15

Santa's CraftShop: Kaneland High School presents "Santa's CraftShop", a juried handmade only arts and crafts show, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 at the school, 47W326 Keslinger Road in Maple Park. Santa Claus also will be at the show, providing the opportunity for children to have their pictures taken with Santa. A $1 admission fee benefits two student programs, which are the Peer Leadership Group and PIE Club (Partners In International Education.) The show will feature crafters from around the area and include categories such as holiday ornaments and decorations, fabric creations and clothing, one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry, glass items, wreaths, wood products, and other original creations. Lunch is available at the show. For information on the show, call (630) 896-1947.

Holiday bazaar: The Corron Elementary School PTO will host its first Holiday Bazaar, with the theme, "Your One-Stop Shop for Holiday Gifts," from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 at the school, 455 Thornwood Way in South Elgin. Santa will make a special appearance from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There is a $2 admission. Children's admission is free. There will be more than 70 vendors and crafters, a 50/50 raffle, bake sale and concessions. Face painting will be offered from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

November 22

Storm Artisan Expo: The second annual Storm Artisan Expo will offer artisan designs, crafts, jewelry, wood creations, pottery, home-baked treats and more from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 at South Elgin High School, 760 E. Main St., South Elgin. Anyone who does crafts, quilts, sews or creates gifts may reserve a table or space now. Cost is $30 and one donated item worth $10 retail for a door prize table. It is sponsored by the South Elgin High fine arts department and the parent booster foundation. For information or reservations, e-mail jontuin@u-46.org or call (847) 289-3760, ext. 3663.

November 29-30

Christmas Craft Show: Marmion Academy's two-day Christmas Craft Show will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 29 and 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 30. The juried craft show will be held at the academy, 1000 Butterfield Road, Aurora. Admission is $3 for those 12 and older. Complimentary baby-sitting service is offered both days. For an application, contact the Alumni Office at (630) 897-6936, ext. 228 or visit www.marmion.org/alumni/alumni.html.