Albemarle Craftsman's Fair

The 61^st Annual Albemarle Craftsman’s Fair is slated for October 25, 26 and 27, 2019, at the Knobbs Creek Recreation Center in Elizabeth City, NC.

The Albemarle Craftsman’s Fair is one of the oldest juried craft shows in North Carolina featuring members of the Albemarle Craftsman’s Guild. During this three-day show, visitors will have the opportunity to visit over 60 Craftsmen who will be selling their quality hand-crafted items as well as demonstrating the creation of their wares. From quilting to leatherwork, woodwork, pottery, glass, basket weaving and beautiful handcrafted jewelry, you will find it all at this unique show.

The mission of the Albemarle Craftsman’s Guild is to organize artisans and those interested in fine handcrafts for the following purposes: To maintain and improve the quality of crafts produced and sold, to encourage original design, and to promote the continuation and authentic reproduction of earlier crafts.

For more than half a century, hundreds of artisans have supported that mission by providing a wide range of fine traditional and modern handcrafts to the public through the Albemarle Craftsman’s Guild’s annual Albemarle Craftsman’s Fair, thereby maintaining a heritage of fine craftsmanship in Elizabeth City, NC.

The Albemarle Craftsman’s Fair is sponsored by the Albemarle Craftsman’s Guild, Inc, Albemarle Area ECA and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. This event is totally operated by the members and community volunteers, but it continues to have educational support from the Extension when needed.

The Albemarle Craftsman’s Fair was born in 1959 through the join efforts of area craftsmen, the Agricultural Extension Service, and the Elizabeth City Chamber of Commerce. The first of the annual events was held in the Dr. Pepper Building in Elizabeth City. Extension agents planned and directed the Fairs until 1963, when trained artisans assumed leadership roles. That same year, the North Carolina legislature visited the Fair, arriving by bus; and in 1967, Fair members were invited to display their crafts at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. The Fair is unique in that it all participating artisans are required to demonstrate some aspect of their craft on site during the show.

In 1965, the Albemarle Craftsman’s Guild was organized to improve the quality of crafts produced and sold, to encourage original designs, to promote the continuation of earlier crafts and to encourage authentic reproduction of earlier crafts. These purposes continue today

Guild members are selected through a jury process and continue to be challenged to further their development of skills and creativity for the duration of their membership in the organization. Current and past Guild participants have ranged from 13 to 107 years of age and represent all educational levels and walks of life. There is no age or geographical limit to membership.

Through years of change, the Guild has maintained a tradition of pride in workmanship; and the future of the Albemarle Craftsman’s Fair is rooted in the idea that quality is its own reward, and that beautiful creations from skilled hands are timeless in value.

Make plans to visit the Albemarle Craftsman’s Fair this October 25th, 26th and 27^th. The show will be open on Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM and on Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for students, senior citizens, members of the military and groups of 10 or more. The admission fee includes a weekend pass to this unique craft show. Food will be provided on-site by Circle II Restaurant of Elizabeth City.

For additional information, visit our website, www.albemarlecraftsmansfair.com , or call 252-338-3954 or 252-562-5441.