Photo by Jeffrey V. Smith

FRONT RANGE
Although some may get a head start, November is the traditional start to the holiday shopping season. Thankfully, mountain artists and craftspeople get together to feature their work in numerous holiday markets and craft fairs from now until Christmas. You’d be surprised at the talent that can be found in our small mountain towns and the events make holiday gift buying a bit more easy.

Here are a few of the craft fairs in November:

Trail Ridge Quilters
The Trail Ridge Quilters have 100s of hand-made and quilted items for sale at its Holiday Sale, Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Longs Peak Room of Estes Park Medical Center. Everyone is welcome. Shop a great selection of quilted items including baby blankets, wall hangings, table runners, placemats, children’s books and much more. There are many wonderful items to purchase for the holidays or hostess gifts. Light refreshments will be served. All proceeds benefit the Estes Park Medical Center.

Golden Gate Grange Craft Fair
The Golden Gate Grange Community Center hosts a Craft Fair featuring local aritsts and hand-made crafts, Nov. 15 from 4 p.m.-11 p.m.

Coal Creek Mountain Artisans Guild
The Coal Creek Mountain Artisans Guild invites you to its 14th Annual Mountain Holiday Art Sale, Nov. 21-22. This event is held at the Coal Creek Canyon Community Center, 31528 Highway 72 from 6-9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. The Mountain Artisans Guild of Coal Creek Canyon is an active group of artists who promote the practice and appreciation of the arts in local mountain communities. This talented group works with photography, woodworking, painting, pottery, re-cycled art, fiber art, metal, jewelry, fused and blown glass and more.

Estes Park Holiday Market
The 2nd Annual Estes Park Holiday Market takes place, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Nov. 23 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Estes Park Resort, 1700 Big Thompson Ave. Many unique items will be available for your shopping pleasure including quilted items, photographs, ornaments, pet gifts, hand thrown stone ware, oil paintings, handmade beaded jewelry, wood carvings, Mountain Strong and Glen Haven Strong shirts and much more.

Elizabeth Guild Holiday House
The Elizabeth Guild Thrift Shop has an ongoing tradition of one of the season’s best events. It’s called Holiday House. Always held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving at the Rocky Mountain Park Inn Convention Center in Estes Park, 101 South St. Vrain Ave., this event really kicks off the Holiday Season. You will find everything from Toys to Jewelry, Collectibles to Clothing. Special items offered from Lizzie’s Boutique, and new and miscellaneous items suited for all those on your Christmas list. The Estes Park Womens’ club will be baking up some of their special goodies for sale. The Estes Park Trailridge Quilters will be showing off their talents at their table full of wonderful hand made quilts for sale. Admission is only $1 with all proceeds benefiting the Estes Park Medical Center.