A November craft fair in Maine is certainly not unusual, but one of this magnitude that does not charge vendors to participate has many people talking, according to Harvey, who says she utilized her store’s Facebook page to gauge initial reaction among its more than 8,000 followers.

“We posted that we were considering a huge free craft fair and asked our followers for their thoughts,” Harvey said. “I initially thought we might end up with 75 vendors. When we announced that it was definitely going to happen – and that it would be for free – we had 375 vendors signed up within 10 days.”

According to Harvey, the public will see an impressive array of local talent among the 375 crafters and bakers that registered for the event.

“We’ll have chainsaw carvings, motorcycle rocking horses, mailboxes that are safe from snowplows – just a huge variety of different things available,” said Harvey, who tells The Maine Edge that this craft fair is all about encouraging the community to purchase locally during the upcoming holiday season.

“I know people will still purchase things online – I get that – but it’s our hope that this will remind people of the incredible talent we have in this community, and that we need to back them and support them by purchasing locally. It’s our way of blessing our local crafters and bakers. I think people are going to be amazed at what they see on November 9 and 10.”

Harvey says the craft fair will occupy every empty store and every available space in the center aisles of Bangor Mall.

In addition to a large of variety of crafts, food, musical instruments and other locally handmade items, the craft fair is scheduled to include a raffle with a $1,000 door prize. A free ticket will be available at Bangor Mall’s center court, and the prize winner does not need to be present in order to win. The winning raffle number will be posted on Facebook on Veteran’s Day, November 11.

Harvey says she expects many out-of-town visitors during the event, which she expects to provide a further boost to the local economy. During their visit, they will have an opportunity to experience the taste of a local favorite.

“We’ve created four calendar event posts to spread the word for this craft fair,” she says. “More than 19,000 people have stated that they are coming, or are interested in coming. We even have buses coming from Canada. We contacted the Coffee Pot Sandwich Shop and Brick Oven Bangor Rye Bakery, and they will have sandwiches available at the old Dairy Queen outlet in the mall. Everyone coming from out of town will be able to try a famous Coffee Pot sandwich.”

The craft fair is scheduled to take place at the Bangor Mall, 651 Stillwater Avenue from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday.