Shop local and shop often this holiday season

By Meg Olson

Holiday cheer is beginning to appear up and down Gulf Road in anticipation of the annual craft fair and artisan walk.

The December 6 and 7 event revolves around the Point Roberts Artisan Guild Christmas Art and Craft Faire at the community center. This year’s theme, an Old Fashioned Christmas, will shine through a collection of vintage decorations donated to the guild.

Thirty vendors will fill the community center’s main room and hallway with great gift ideas: jewelry, photography, sewing and knitting, preserves and baked goods, soaps and lotions and a variety of holiday arrangements and other handmade items. Three of the tables will be for children, highlighting the Point’s creative youth.

In the smaller room a raffle and 50/50 draw will raise funds for the Cross Border Coalition to Stop the Towers’ legal fund.

Musical entertainment will fill both days, with performers offering everything from classical to Elvis-flavored holiday classics and original compositions.

The seniors association will be selling lunch both days.

Fanning out from the community center, shoppers are invited to visit Gulf Road businesses on the Passport Christmas Walk.

Brewster’s Fine Foods offers gourmet foods and novelty gifts, including a selection of ornaments and holiday decorations. Blue Heron Gallery has a huge selection of handcrafted gift items, including jewelry, artwork, cards, housewares, hand-painted silk scarves and Point Roberts-inspired holiday décor.

At Pedal Pushers you can buy a bike, and also choose from a selection of bike accessories, such as colored lights to fancy up your ride for the holidays. Auntie Pam’s Country Store features its signature line of toiletries and soaps as well as cashmere scarves from Scotland and an ever-changing selection of holiday and gift items.

At Caffé Capanna organizers are hoping Santa will make an appearance, and kids and adults are invited to drop in for a visit, a hot chocolate and to sample their delicious baked goods.

The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 6 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.