38th Crafters' Marketplace Offers a Bounty of Arts, Crafts, and Food November 19 & 20

Highly recognized, juried craft show featuring fine artisans and crafters to partipate in Crafters' Marketplace in Princeton. An annual favorite for families, groups, and friends for 38 years. Wide array of fine-crafted merchandise and price points. End Quote

Trenton-Ewing, NJ (1888PressRelease) October 22, 2011 - It's here! The YWCA Princeton's 38th Annual Crafters' Marketplace Weekend will be held on November 19th and 20th, 2011. The two-day event will be held at the John Witherspoon Middle School located at 217 Walnut Lane in Princeton. The hours are 10:00am-5:00pm on Saturday and 10:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday.

This upscale, juried craft show continues to get better each year as the thousands that attend will testify. The event highlights the work of over 130 gifted artists specializing in glass, distinctive jewelry, clay/porcelain, artwork, wood, mixed media, trendy adult and children's fashions, and much more.

Recognized as an outstanding show for more than three decades, the Crafters' Marketplace draws visitors and top crafters locally to as far as New York, Philadelphia, Maine, and Georgia. Whether coming to see new artisans or old-time favorites, this show promises to be the one-stop shop for everyone's holiday purchases. The show features a wide range of merchandise and a variety of price points to ensure that even the youngest can find that special item for mom or dad.
Several local artisans will be participating this year. They include Captured Luminescence, Cathy Dailey Designs, Deborah's Original's, Joan Gilbert Couture Millinery, Mudstar Ceramics, and Nancy Troske Contemporary Jewelry.

The show has had strong appeal for merchants and shoppers for 38 years. "The Crafters' Marketplace has a long and proud history of providing a unique and special experience for attendees. It is a juried show with top-quality crafters and ideal for those looking to sneak away for a few hours or for groups looking to kick off the holiday season. For many families and groups of friends, the weekend has become an annual outing and has been marked on their calendars a year in advance," says Diane Hasili, YWCA Princeton spokesperson.

A large part of the appeal is the wide array of items and the experience of interacting with the artisans first-hand. There a number of loyal customers who follow particular merchants seeking new items for gifts or to add to their collections. Last year saw many people more willing to buy handcrafted gifts because they wanted quality products that are made in the USA. And, because there is still time before the holidays, merchants are often able to accommodate special order requests.

The Newcomers' Café has also grown in popularity not only because of its fresh food, but as a place to gather, compare purchases with others, and re-energize. Regulars share that they are decades-long devotees of the taco salad made famous by "Al the Taco Man." They are available with meat or vegetarian chili. The other perennial favorite among kids and adults are the freshly made chocolate chip cookies, baked right on the premises throughout the day. Also prepared on-site are a variety of salads including chicken and tuna atop a bed of greens, muffins, coffee, and freshly made Philly Pretzel Factory pretzels.

The funds raised in the café go to the YWCA's Bates Scholarship Fund.
Additionally, one hundred percent of the net proceeds from Crafters' Marketplace will benefit the scholarship fund, which provides crucial scholarships to YWCA Princeton programs and services for women, children and families in need. The event is one of two major fundraisers for the fund.

Because of the scholarship fund, hundreds of people have been able to participate in the YWCA's programs including access to its after-school programs, nursery school, swim classes, arts and crafts, English as a Second Language, gymnastics, child care, adult education programs, dance, and summer camps.

"Bates scholarships have been awarded to people from age 3 to 83," said Hasili. "For some, having access to child care and educational programs is important while they work. One beneficiary benefited from our swimming program as part of her rehabilitation. For others, it's having a welcoming place in which to learn and have fun that somehow morphs into a family," she adds. "It is clear, the YWCA is not only a reflection of a vibrant community, it is a community."

Admission is only $6 for adults, $5 for seniors (62+), $5 for children under age 16, and free for children under 6 years. Sunday is Family Day where children under 16 are free all day. Bus groups are welcome and ticket purchases can be scheduled in advance. For those attending the YWCA's Bates Scholarship Benefit, "An Evening in Tuscany," on November 3rd at D&R Greenway, they will receive a complimentary pass to the Crafters' Marketplace and a coupon for a free lunch at the Newcomers' Café.

Please note that no strollers are allowed by order of the local fire marshal. For more information, a look at the artisans and photographs of their works, please visit www.ywcaprinceton.org.

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