Holiday Craft Show highlights local work

For a magical holiday shopping experience be sure to check out the 14th annual Old Tobacco Barn Holiday Craft Show in Solsberry.

The event -- which is slated for Saturday will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Old Tobacco Barn -- includes handmade crafts as well as a nature art tour known as the Sculpture Trails and more.

"The experience is quite unique. There's no booths. It's like going into a shop. The tobacco barn is decorated with little white, twinkle lights and a campfire inside," explained Dianne Masse, an owner of the tobacco barn and event coordinator.

This year's show has a recycling theme and will include more than 30 artists, crafters and collectors and their wares as well as hot cider and refreshments.

"We are keeping it 'Green in Greene County' -- several crafts are made from recycled items. All items are handmade with the exception of the vintage category," explained Michelle Keller, who helps organize the event.

From soaps and lotions to Christmas trees, photography, pottery, chain saw carvings and more -- there's something for everyone at the annual craft show.

"Along with the wonderful crafts we have this year, we also have some exciting events. ... We will entertain you with a chain saw artist plus some musical talent by the campfire," Keller added.

One of the crafters, Tim Kirsch, has restored a 1898 Spanish-American cannon -- which will be displayed and fired sometime throughout the day.

The cannon is a very unique artifact with much historical significance.

New crafter -- James Lee, a chain saw artist, will also be carving art throughout the day.

What makes the event even more original is the Sculpture Trails -- which is where art and nature collide.

"You can walk through our Sculpture Trails we have almost 40 sculptures on the trails," Masse explained.

There's even an opportunity to give back to the community.

"We are also collecting products and donations for the Hope Housing and Restoration center in Bloomfield," Masse said. "We will be raffling off two beautiful baskets filled with items made by our generous crafters all proceeds will go to Hope House."

If you bring a non-perishable food item and/or non-consumable household item as a donation then you receive a chance to win one of the baskets.

Raffle tickets for the basket will also be on sale for $1 each.

The Hope Housing and Restoration Center helps local women in crisis.

Masse started the annual craft show when she noticed that several talented crafters lacked a place to sale their goods.

"This is our 14th year, I think people must like it ... they keep coming back," she explained.

Go to www.oldtobaccobarn.com for directions. Signs will be posted during the day of the event.

The event is free and open to the public.