Christmas in the Country-

WNY’s International Artisan Marketplace

November 1-4, 2012
Hamburg Fairgrounds, Hamburg, NY

THURSDAY & FRIDAY 10AM- 9PM
SATURDAY 9AM – 6PM
SUNDAY 10AM – 5PM

A Western New York holiday tradition, Christmas in the Country, has garnered recognition as the nation’s foremost holiday artisan marketplace for almost 15 years and once again in 2010, Sunshine Artist ranked the event #2 in the country. Celebrating its 27^th anniversary and drawing almost 60,000 visitors over four days, the event has grown from a modest quilt show to a marketplace of over 400 artisans from across the country and around the globe. This year, Christmas in the Country highlights participating artisans from around the world, who have either travelled to participate in the event or immigrated to the United States bringing their significant talents and hand crafted creations along with their unique holiday traditions for the season.

“This is a remarkable collection of artisans whose talent spans the globe,” said Daniel Kaczynski of Premier Promotions, organizers of the event. The countries represented includeNigeria,Australia,China,Germany, The United Kingdom,Argentina,Ukraine,Israeland more. “And I think the most amazing part is they all gather at this nationally recognized event, in my hometown,Hamburg!” added Kaczynski.

Attendees to Christmas in the Country will find unique and only handcrafted creations including gourmet foods, spa quality bath and beauty products, trendsetting jewelry, handpoured aromatic candles, eco-friendly clothing, pottery, original wall art, woodwork, home décor and holiday gift items galore. The artisans are spread out over four buildings at the Hamburg Fairgrounds.

As always, Premier Promotions continues to attract new and talented artisans. This year, the event welcomes Melissa Runyon from Muscatine, Iowa (elegant home accents), Sarah and Adam Spector from Canandaigua (functional and unique pottery), Geraldo De-Souza from Syracuse, New York (custom handmade bowties), Gabriela Diaz-Capt from Spencer, Ohio (original “dudes” pant planters), John and Missy Dorsey fromWhittier,California(flexible beaded barrettes), Dan Dworkin fromEast Greenville,Pennsylvania(elegant clay vases), Jodie Shaw fromFenton,Michigan(girl’s boutique clothing), Susan McCormack from Ellicotville,New York(whimsical stoneware sculptures) and Marge Hojnacki fromGrand Rapids,Michigan(glass window paintings).

Throughout the history of Christmas in the Country, giving back to the community has always been an integral part of the event. This year, the participating non-profit groups include: Kids Escaping Drugs, Kathleen Mary House, Churches in Action, Hamburg Eden Animal Rescue Team (H.E.A.R.T.), Variety The Children’s Charity of Buffalo and the Hamburg Presbyterian Church. “Helping those in need has always been who we are, both as a company and people of this community,” said Sally Kaczynski, founder of Premier Promotions. “Many of the artisans donate products for auctions and raffles as well,” added Kaczynski.