The East Islip Craft & Gift Fair will celebrate its 40th year on Saturday, Nov. 23, and Sunday, Nov. 24, at East Islip High School, 1 Redmen St., Islip Terrace. The two-day event, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, offers a wide variety of handmade, one-of-a-kind merchandise created by U.S.-based artisans. Admission is free.
Cathy DePasquale, owner of DepasCraft Market, which organizes the event, can testify to the value of carefully crafted merchandise.
“Affection and love are put into every piece from an artisan, which makes it more valuable or more special to each person, and everything’s made here in the U.S.,” DePasquale told South Shore Press.
This year’s fair will feature approximately 150 exhibitors, filling the high school’s cafeteria and hallways. “We started out probably just filling the cafeteria with about 50, and we’ve tripled the size over the years,” DePasquale said. “We are completely sold out… we don’t have another space to sell.”
While attendance is not tracked, DePasquale noted that the event’s continued success is reflected in the high number of returning vendors. “They’re really happy with their sales, and the customers from the community really do come out and support this event,” she said.
Of the 150 exhibitors, at least 90 are crafters offering a variety of handmade goods, including jewelry, wood sculptures, watercolor art, candles and more. For the holidays, shoppers can find unique décor such as ornaments and ceramic Christmas trees. Other items include gourmet foods like honey, hot sauce, baked goods, handmade chocolates, and organic soaps and lotions. A large boutique will feature women’s apparel, and other products include illuminated glass shadow boxes, fabric creations, fused glass, and wood crafts ranging from cutting boards to coasters.
A major highlight of the fair is the “big raffle auction,” featuring 30 to 50 bags or baskets. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit scholarships provided through the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA). “I can tell you that I personally won a bicycle,” DePasquale said. Raffle tickets are available for a chance to win one of the baskets.
Snacks and beverages will also be available for purchase in the cafeteria, with all proceeds benefiting the PTSA.