There’s Good News: Locavore Holiday Gift Faire expands to two days for the first time; tickets now on sale
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -One of Central Oregon’s favorite holiday shopping traditions is getting a little bigger this year. Central Oregon Locavore’s 18th Annual Holiday Gift Faire returns December 11–12, expanding to two days for the first time. Tickets are now on sale for $3 per person.
The Holiday Gift Faire brings together more than 80 hand-selected Central Oregon artists, artisans, crafters and specialty food producers under one roof. Shoppers can explore everything from original artwork, handcrafted jewelry and ceramics to textiles, small-batch foods, home goods and gifts they won't find on big-box store shelves.
After 17 years as a one-day event, the Faire is adding Friday evening shopping to its traditional Saturday celebration, giving families, friends and holiday shoppers more opportunities to discover the creativity of Central Oregon's maker community.
“We hear every year how much people look forward to the Holiday Gift Faire,” said Nicolle Timm-Branch, Executive Director of Central Oregon Locavore. “This year, we're excited to give everyone two days to enjoy it. Whether you come Friday evening to kick off your weekend or make a Saturday tradition of shopping with friends, every purchase is a chance to support someone who lives, works and creates right here in Central Oregon.”
A Holiday Shopping Tradition That Keeps Giving Locally
The Faire draws more than 3,000 shoppers each year, making it one of the region's longstanding celebrations of locally made goods.
Beyond finding gifts, shoppers have the opportunity to meet the people who make them, hear the stories behind their products and put their holiday spending directly into Central Oregon's small-business economy.
An estimated 98% of every dollar spent at the Gift Faire stays in the regional economy, supporting the artists, makers and small businesses who call Central Oregon home.
This year, the Faire also introduces a modest admission fee to support the Faire and Locavore's nonprofit mission of strengthening the local food and small-business economy. Tickets are $3 when purchased in advance or $5 at the door. Children under 17 receive free admission.
For shoppers who want a head start, a limited Saturday VIP shopping experience offers early entry from 8–9 a.m., along with complimentary coffee and pastries. Only 100 VIP tickets are available at $25.
Event Details
18th Annual Central Oregon Locavore Holiday Gift Faire
- Friday, December 11: 4–7:30 p.m. General admission: $3 advance tickets; $5 at the door
- Saturday, December 12: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. General admission: $3 advance tickets; $5 at the door
- Saturday VIP Shopping: 8 a.m. – 9 a.m., limited to 100 tickets, $25 each
- Children: Free admission for ages 17 and under
- Location: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend
Tickets and the vendor list can be found on Central Oregon Locavore’s website:
https://centraloregonlocavore.org/holiday-gift-faire-18/
Thank you to our sponsors, Mid Oregon Credit Union, Central Oregon Vacation Homes, Ignite Positive Changes, iSecure, Azure Tax and Accounting, and Strictly Organic Coffee, who not only made this event possible but also help small businesses thrive in Central Oregon every day.
