Autumn Arts and Crafts Shows in Delaware

Delaware may be a small state size-wise, but it has made a major mark when it comes to arts and crafts. Influenced by the many cultures, such as the Dutch and the Amish, who colonized the area and continue to maintain communities there, the First State boasts many craft fairs and festival that showcase seasonal wares, ethnic traditions, local art and delicious foods.

The Lewes Historical Society Autumn Craft Fair is held annually on the beautiful grounds of the Lewes Historical Society in picturesque Lewes, Delaware. The fair, and its summer counterpart in July, showcases a wide variety of works, functional and decorative, made by quality craftspeople from all across the mid-Atlantic region. The event features live music and entertainment, a delicious selection of baked goods and other foods and refreshments served on the grounds. Picnic tables are even provided in the shade of the cherry trees for the enjoyment of patrons. Primarily a fundraising event for the Historical Society, a small admission fee of five dollars is charged per person and ample parking is available for both vendors and visitors. The Lewes Historical Society Autumn Craft Fair is currently scheduled to be held from 9AM to 4PM on October 1, 2011.

The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Craft Fair is being held this year on October 3rd, with hours from 10AM to 4PM, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Bear, Delaware. Admission and parking are free of charge and the church-sponsored festival features a variety of crafters, raffles, a bake sale and a 50/50 drawing.

The first annual Delaware Veterans Home Craft Show, a craft and car show benefiting Delaware Veterans, will be open from 10AM to 2PM on October 22nd. In case of rain, the event will be on October 29th. The Delaware Veterans Home in Milford, Delaware is the first and only veterans home in the state and proceeds help benefit the residents of this long-term care facility for those of advanced age and infirmity who served in the US military. Types of crafts included in the craft show will include clothing, folk art, furniture, jewelry, metal work, needlework, ornaments, quilting and woodworking.

The Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington, Delaware, will host the 28th Annual Dover OSC Craft Show on Saturday, November 5, 2011. The largest single-day craft show on the east coast, the Dover OSC Craft Show hosts more than 200 vendors from across eight different states. All the crafts are handmade and include Amish quilts, candles, holiday items, original artwork, ceramics, leather goods, baskets and clothing. Profits from the craft show yield a large number of scholarships, which are awarded to dependents of military members, with money also donated to base, local and national charities. For more information, or to find out how to be one of the 150 volunteers who make the Dover OSC Craft Show happen, visit the Dover OSC website.

One of the last festivals of the season, and a great way to open the Christmas holiday season, is the Delaware Chocolate Festival. Held at the Dover Downs Hotel & casino in Dover, Delaware, the festival features chocolate and candy vendors, of course, as well as cooking demonstrations. Live entertainment, includes holiday music and choral performances, photos with Santa for the kids, the impressive and artistic sculptures of the ice carving contest, an electric train display, the gingerbread village and the festival of Christmas trees. Scheduled for November 26, 2011, with hours from 10AM to 6PM, visitors can find the latest updates and information on the Chocolate Festival website, courtesy of Dover Downs Hotel & Casino.

These are just a small sampling of the many craft shows and fall festivals going on this year in Delaware. No matter what your creative interest or artistic taste, you’re sure to find a show, fair or festival featuring the crafts and artwork you desire.


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