FALLFEST: HOLIDAY SHOPPING MADE EASY

More than 100 artists and craftspeople are scheduled to display their work this weekend during the Fallfest of Fine Arts and Christmas Craft Expo at the Ocean City convention center. (Nov. 6, 2009) Visitors to the 13th annual Fallfest of Fine Arts and Christmas Craft Expo at the Ocean City convention center this weekend can find unique gifts for everyone they plan to shop for this holiday season.

More than 100 artists and craftspeople will bring their wares to the 40th Street venue for the event, coordinated by Donald Hastings of Donald's Duck Shop, located in the Gold Coast Mall on 115th Street.

Thirteen years ago, Hastings combined his long-running gift show with the fine arts expo, a move that made the already popular events even more of a draw. More than 5,000 shoppers attended the two-day event last year, which Hastings calls, "Two great shows under one roof."

The Fine Arts show, now in its 25th year, once offered only wildlife and nautical art. But when the two shows merged, Hastings opened the event to all subjects and media. This year's show will feature sculptures, paint- ings, photography, carvings, metalwork, stoneware, glass, woodwork and furniture.

Woodwork and carvings are just a few of the items that will be available this weekend during the Fallfast of Fine Arts and Christmas Craft Expo. The Christmas Craft Expo offers a wide variety of merchandise. Holiday gifts available at the Expo will include jewelry, clothing and apparel, woodwork, candles, furniture, dolls, wall hangings, paintings and ornaments.

Both shows are juried by Hastings. Each artist has to be approved by him before he or she can sell handcrafted work at the event.

"There truly is a personal touch from the artist who handmade each item," Hastings said. "People really like that everything here is unique and high quality that you can't find anywhere else. There really is something there for everyone."

The grand door prize this year is a $300 shopping spree at Donald's Duck Shoppe. Local musician Frank Nanna will provide the entertainment both days.

Show hours are Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $5 for adults and $4 for AARP members (with card) and students ages 13-17.

Take the show's ad, featured in this issue of Ocean City Today, for $1 off adult admission. For more information, call 410- 524- 9177.