Holiday shopping can start a little early as crafters and vendors gather for the 13th Annual Craft Fair hosted at St. Mary’s Parish in Oakdale this Saturday, Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Proceeds from the annual event benefit the Young Ladies Institute (YLI), as well as two high school scholarships and the American Heart Association.

Now in its 13th year, event organizer Helen Quaccia shared funds collected from varying facets of the event are earmarked for the three areas. Booth fees go to the YLI, vendor raffle items and baked goods to the scholarships and food sales to the heart association.

“We have a lot of handmade jewelry,” she said of the craft fair assortment, noting she is careful in both placement of the vendors, as well as the variety offered.

“If it’s something that you create yourself … we have jewelry, ladies who quilt, crochet, a lady who just makes aprons.”

With close to 60 vendors, 15 to 20 of which will be located outside, shoppers never leave the event disappointed. Quaccia shared there will also be an author on site, as well as artists, handmade Christmas ornaments, and edible goodies.

Santa Claus will also be making an early season appearance from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Photos taken by Hudson Photography will be available for purchase for $5.

“This is not a high end event,” Quaccia shared of reasonable prices for quality products. “That’s what I want people to understand. We have a lot of great things and talented vendors. This is a true craft fair.”