Popular event to feature Food Truck Rodeo, expanded Tavern, Brian Moorman’s P.U.N.T. Foundation and 40 new artisans

An iconic Western New York tradition, the Christmas in the Country Holiday Artisan Market will celebrate its 33rd season when it returns to the Hamburg Fairgrounds on November 2-5 with more than 400 artisans spread out over five buildings, a Food Truck Rodeo for dining and The Tavern featuring handcrafted beverages, wines and spirits. Patrons can also connect and interact with the creators of countless products at the event.

Once again this year, Christmas in the Country will offer complimentary return passes so patrons can enjoy the sights, sounds and scents of this one-of-a-kind shopping experience all weekend long.

“We have always felt our patrons needed more than just one day to properly enjoy this event,” said Daniel Kaczynski of Premier Promotions, organizers of the event. “Now everyone has the opportunity to come back as much as they would like at no additional cost.”

Attendees will find unique, handcrafted creations made in the USA, including home décor, gourmet foods, trendsetting jewelry, hand-poured aromatic candles, children’s toys and clothing, stylish pottery, original wall art, gifts for pets and holiday gift items galore.

“This is an opportunity to make gift buying and shopping very meaningful,” said Kaczynski. “The selection of products at this market is comprehensive; there is truly something for everyone.”

Christmas in the Country will welcome nearly 40 new artisans this year, as well as favorites from year’s past. “We find new artisans, and many times they find us because this is an excellent opportunity for them,” said Kaczynski. “We want to continue to make the event fresh and new, but still keep the favorite artisans and traditions here.”

Giving back to the community has been an integral part of the event throughout the 33-year history of Christmas in the Country. This year, participating nonprofit groups include The Brian Moorman P.U.N.T. Foundation, 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 Kaczynski. “Many of the artisans also donate products for auctions and raffles.”

The economic impact of this event is formidable. Restaurants and hotels benefit significantly from patrons and artisans traveling to the event, while local artisans typically mark Christmas in the Country as their highest grossing event of the year.

“The artisans really represent the very best of our country’s small businesses — hardworking, ingenious and determined. To see Western New York support them to this extent is very gratifying,” added Kaczynski.

Christmas in the Country will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 2 and 3, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 4, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Fairgrounds in Hamburg. Discount tickets are available Oct. 18 through Nov. 1 at select locations throughout Erie County. For a complete list of locations, please visit www.wnypremierpromotions.com.

For more than 30 years, Premier Promotions has produced high-quality, extremely successful artisan events including Springtime in the Country, Christmas in the Country, Yuletide in the Country and new for 2018 Springtime in the Country and Christmas in the Country in Rochester. The events are consistently ranked among the Top 100 artisan shows in America by Sunshine Artist magazine. Last year, more than 90,000 visitors attended these events purchasing more than $4.5 million in high-quality, handcrafted goods from juried artists and artisans. These events have also helped raise more than $1.6 million for Western New York charities.