Four Howard County events offer handmade gifts ahead of the holidays

Shoppers in the Dayton, Glenelg, and Glenwood areas have four distinct opportunities to purchase handmade items over the next month.

The season begins this weekend with the Howard County Crafts Spectacular. The event runs from Friday, November 6, through Sunday, November 8, at the Howard County Fairgrounds. More than 375 artisans will display their work across all buildings on the site. The organizers state the event will proceed regardless of weather conditions.

Admission costs $5 per person, with a multi-day pass available for $7. Children under the age of 10 enter for free. Parking is complimentary, and shuttles will transport visitors and their purchases to their vehicles. Gates open at 9 a.m. daily, closing at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Two magic shows are scheduled for each afternoon on Saturday and Sunday.

Calvary Lutheran Church will host its annual Christmas Market on Friday, November 20. The venue is located at 16151 Old Frederick Road. The market operates from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Vendors in the Country Kitchen will sell baked goods, jams, jellies, and cheese balls. Local craft vendors will offer holiday gift items. The event includes a silent auction and a "White Elephant" room featuring unique finds. Santa Claus is scheduled to arrive for photographs at 4 p.m. Lunch and dinner will be available for purchase, with crab cakes listed as a popular menu item.

Lauren’s Garden Service will hold a Maker’s Market at the Shops at Westwood on Saturday, November 28, and Sunday, November 29. The location is 13554 Triadelphia Road, formerly the Westwood Church building. Local artists will sell items in the nursery and inside the shops. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This marks the fifth year of the event, though it is the first year the market will be open on a Sunday as well as Small Business Saturday.

The 54th annual Holiday Mart Show concludes the series on Saturday, December 5. The venue is the Gary J. Arthur Community Center on Route 97 in Glenwood. The show runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Juried artisans will display unique handcrafted items and seasonal gifts. Admission is $5 at the door, or $4 for tickets purchased online in advance. Children four and under enter free. The site will feature a photo booth, a children’s craft corner, and food trucks. Refreshments and lunch are available for purchase.

Tracy Trobridge accepts news submissions for the column via email at tracy21738@yahoo.com or by phone at 410-489-7444.