Fox Valley 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. Vendors will display and sell jewelry, designer handbags, handcrafted holiday decorations and floral assortments, and much more. The Greek Gourmet Shop will feathre 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. "Grandma's Attic" section will offer hidden treasures among the various donated items. Don't forget to purchase a raffle ticket for $2 to win prizes. Admission is free. For details, call (847) 888-2822.

November 8

Holiday in the Halls: St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Elgin will host its annual "Holiday in the Halls" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at the church, 1625 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. More than 80 booths, raffles, food and refreshments will be available, as well as a bake sale. Admission is free.

Fall into the Holidays: The United Methodist Women of Cary will host its semiannual craft bazaar, "Fall into The Holidays," with gifts, home decor and holiday items.

The community is invited; the admission is free. The fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 at Cary United Methodist Church, 500 First St., Cary, (847) 639-7627.

Bartlett Woman's Club Arts and Crafts Bazaar: Annual craft bazaar will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at World Overcomers Church, Route 20 and Naperville Road, Bartlett. In addition to the crafters and artists, there will be vendors, bake sale, raffle, lunch, free parking and more.

November 9

Holiday Harvest Market: On Sunday, Nov. 9, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin will host its annual Holiday Harvest Market. 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 unique handcrafted jewelry, note cards, soaps and lotions, scarves and many other items suitable for people and pet gift giving. The Holiday Harvest Market will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin, on Highland Avenue, three miles west of Randall Road. View the exhibitors list and flyer at www.NewUU.com/market.

November 12

Elgin Area Women's Connection: Holiday Craft, Bake Sale, Live and Silent Auction, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12 at Villa Olivia Country Club, Route 20, Bartlett. Guest speaker is Debbi Forney. Tickets are $15. For reservations, call (847) 524-5112.

November 14

Fall luncheon and bazaar: The Ladies Aid of St. Peter's Lutheran Church will hold its annual fall luncheon, bazaar, silent auction/raffle from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. A turkey casserole lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.(carry outs available). The bazaar includes a bake sale, farm produce, white elephant, cards and napkins, homemade quilts, towels, and tree skirts, themed scrapbooks, purses, and crafts. Also offering Cathy Lee Jewelry, Arbonne, Lia Sophia, Tupperware, Mary Kay, Osborne Books, Tastefully Simple, Watkins and more. The silent auction and raffle includes more than 100 themed baskets, gift items, restaurant and merchant gift certificates, children's items, housewares, collectibles and more. St. Peter's is at 43W301 Plank Road, 1/4 mi. east of Route 47, Hampshire, five miles west of Elgin. For more information call the church office at 847-464-5721.

November 15

Auxiliary craft show: The Ladies Auxiliary of Tri-City Evergreen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2298 will host an arts and craft show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 15 at the post home, 117 S. First St., West Dundee. For details, call Fran Ganshow at (847) 426-2205.

Holiday bazaar: The Corron Elementary School PTO will host its first-ever 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. Admission is $2; 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.