GINA B. GOOD / PVT Aleta Glivinski stands with part of her collection of one-of-a-kind cloth handbags in this photo taken at last year's arts and crafts fair at Artesia. She will be a vendor at this year's event. Advertisement

This could be the year to get an early start on holiday shopping. More than 30 local crafters will bring their wares to the third annual Artesia Community Center Arts & Crafts Show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 19-20 at 6601 S. Fox Ave.

As in previous years, tables will be stacked with creative items to browse and buy, such as art and woodwork, home-made candy, hand painted silk scarves, dried flowers in framed arrangements, as well as knitted and crocheted items.

Plan to spend plenty of times perusing pillows, ceramics and embroidery pieces. Doll clothes will be available as well as one-of-a-kind handbags, Christmas ornaments and decorations, aprons, handmade soap and much more.

A bake sale and barbecue are planned for both days and refreshments will be sold.

At 2 p.m. Saturday, items donated by crafters will be raffled. Tickets will be available Friday and Saturday and winners will not need to be present to win.

Watch for directional signs posted on Homestead and Hafen Ranch roads and on Highway 160 at the south end of the valley.