Shawn Conner gives you five reasons to check out this year's Toque Craft Fair.

1.

It’s curated.

There are other markets, especially at this time of year. But the vendors at the Toque Craft Fair are all local and selected specially to appeal to the Toque audience. The 28 vendors in 2019 represent a variety of products, including textiles, ceramics, jewelry, books, bags, home and body items, priced from $5 to $500.

2.

It’s a party.

The Friday night of the three-day event is generally regarded as the kickoff party, where browsers can enjoy an adult beverage and bratwurst. Saturday and Sunday include baked treats and activities for the kiddies.

3.

Returning faves. Returning vendors include Fieldwork (baked goods), Hendrik Lou (sustainable all-natural knitwear), paperbacknote (unique notebooks, such as those upcycled from vintage classic and kitschy paperbacks), Henderson Dry Goods (wooden tree ornaments), and WarmAndDrift (woolly needle-felted life-size wildlife, including birds, chipmunks, and frogs).

4.

Newbies.

Some new exhibitors include Crache dans la Soupe Parfum, Daisy Fung Flowers, Nectrous Botanicals (soap), and Three Sisters by Emma (handwoven, beaded designs).

5.

Tea towels.

Each year, Western Front commissions an artist to design a limited-edition tea towel. This year’s tea towel is designed by Whess Harman and is sewn and printed locally. Harman’s work includes jackets that blend traditional materials with punk esthetics.