San Jose Harvest Festival Celebrates Black Friday by Supporting Independent, American Artisans
(San Jose, Calif., September 3, 2012)--- This year, Black Friday shoppers have the chance to forgo the big box stores and support independent artists and craftspeople by visiting the San Jose Harvest Festival, happening November 23-25 at the San Jose Convention Center.
"Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year," said Nancy Glenn, Harvest Festival Show Manager. "Our goal, just as it was 40 years ago, is to give visibility to the small businessperson by providing a venue to showcase and sell their crafts."
2012 marks the 40th Anniversary tour of the Harvest Festivals, which began in San Francisco as a forum for independent artists to exhibit their wares. The show continues to hold to its time honored traditions of vetted, American made crafts in an environment offering down-home family fun.
Adding to the entertainment this year is crowd favorite Tom Rigney and Flambeau, a band that blends American Roots styles into a completely original sound, mixing infectious grooves with deep musicality and spectacular solos. Also appearing on the main stage is John Park, known for his "Funny Waiter" show where he melds comedy and intricate tricks like plate spinning. There will also be the lovable strolling performers like Mama Claus and Eddie the Elf who wander the aisles and serenade shoppers with holiday classics.
Nature of Art for Kids, an eco-friendly company offering non-toxic art supplies for children, will host the hands on KidZone where kids can participate in take and make arts and crafts. Located next to the KidZone will be a special Child ID feature, sponsored by New York Life. Parents can bring their child to be photographed, fingerprinted and get essential information stored on a CD to have if needed in an emergency.
The San Jose Glass Artist Alliance will also be hosting a stained glass workshop where Harvest Festival patrons can learn the intricacies of glass art and, for a small fee to cover materials, create their own ornament.
The official charity of the show is Humane Society Silicon Valley, a non-profit organization committed to animal welfare in every facet. Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) will receive half of the proceeds from shopping bag sales and all of the proceeds from the bag and parcel check.
Plus, anyone who brings a non-perishable food donation to support the Second Harvest Food Bank will receive a $2 off admission discount.
The Harvest Festivals are the largest indoor arts and crafts show on the West Coast, featuring over 24,000 handmade gifts. Attendees can interact with artisans, get purchases personalized and browse from such items as original art, photography, jewelry, clothing, specialty foods, pottery, home decor and more.
What: The San Jose Harvest Festival® Original Art and Craft Show
When: November 23-25, 2012 (San Jose Convention Center, 150 W. San Carlos St, San Jose CA 95113)
Hours: Friday: 9am – 6pm, Saturday: 10 am – 6pm, Sunday: 10 am – 5pm
Cost: Adults: $9, Seniors (62+): $7, Youth (13-17): $4, 12 & Under: Free
Info: For tickets and information, please call 1-800-346-1212 or visit www.harvestfestival.com
