Some call it a guilty pleasure or even an addiction.
Others say it’s entertainment, a chance to marvel at cool stuff they could possibly make on their own someday — but probably never will and hence the exchange of cash for others’ creativity.
Whether you’re on the hunt for unique items for your home or holiday gifts for friends and family, large craft fairs at area high schools offer one-stop shopping.
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Handmade wares by hundreds of vendors will fill the field houses and hallways of Sandburg, Stagg, Andrew, Shepard, Lincoln-Way East and Lockport high schools during November and December weekends.
Fairs typically include concessions and raffles and occasionally coat check and assistance to vehicles with large purchases. Also, proceeds go to student musicians and athletes and more, so how cool is that?
Nov. 7 and 8:
*Andrew High School’s 28th annual Fall Arts & Crafts Show sponsored by the Music Parents will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 7 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at 9001 W. 171st St. in Tinley Park.
Admission is $3 for adults and free for attendees under 14.
For details, call 708-925-6544 or go to www.vjamusic.com.
*In Frankfort, the Mokena Woman’s Club’s 42nd annual Holli-Daze Arts and Crafts Show will be from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 7 and 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at Lincoln-Way East High School, 201 Colorado Ave.
Admission is $3 for attendees ages 12 and up. Strollers are welcome.
For details, call 708-479-9067 or go to mokena.org.
Nov. 14 and 15:
*Stagg High School’s annual Music Boosters Fall Craft Fair will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 14 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 15 at 8015 W. 111th St. in Palos Hills.
Admission is $2 for adults.
For details, call 708-974-7400 or go to stagg.d230.org.
Nov. 21 and 22:
*Sandburg High School’s Fall Craft Show hosted by the athletic boosters will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 21 and 22 at 13300 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park.
Admission is $4 for adults and free for attendees under 14.
For more details, call 708-671-3100 or go to sandburg.d230.org.
*In Lockport, the 45th annual Christmas Crossroads will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 21 and 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at Lockport East High School, 1333 E. 7th St.
The juried craft fair is hosted by the Lockport Woman’s Club, and all proceeds go toward scholarships, food pantries and other local causes.
Admission is $3, $2 for seniors, $1 for students and free for those under 6.
A free shuttle will be provided.
For details, visit christmascrossroads.com.
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Dec. 5:
*Shepard High School Athletic Booster Club’s annual winter arts and crafts show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 5 at 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Palos Heights.
For details, call 708-371-1111 or visit www.chsd218.org.
Vickie Jurkowski is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.