By Diane Hasili
For many, the pens are out ready to mark November 23 and 24 2013 on the calendar as their “must do” event for the weekend. The ever popular YWCA Princeton Crafters’ Marketplace Weekend marks its 40th anniversary this year.
The two-day shopping extravaganza benefiting the YWCA’s scholarship fund will be held at the John Witherspoon Middle School located at 217 Walnut Lane in Princeton. The event is open 10 am-5 pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday.
This upscale, juried craft show continues to get better each year as the thousands that attend will testify. The event highlights the work of over 90 gifted artisans specializing in glass, distinctive jewelry, clay/porcelain, artwork, wood, mixed media, trendy adult and children’s fashions, and much more.
Reaching its fourth decade, the show has rightly earned distinction for shoppers and vendors alike. “The Crafters’ Marketplace has a long and proud history of providing a unique and special experience for attendees. It is a juried show with top-quality crafters and ideal for those looking to sneak away for a few hours or for groups looking to kick off the holiday season.” says Diane Hasili, YWCA Princeton spokesperson. “For many families and groups of friends, the weekend has become an annual outing and has been marked on their calendars a year in advance.”
New this year will be a Children’s Craft Center. Parents can enjoy their shopping experience while their children are engaged in a variety of arts and crafts of their own. The center is open on Sunday only for children ages 3 to 8. The fee is $10 for 90 minutes.
A large part of the appeal is the wide array of items and the experience of interacting with the craftsmen first-hand. There a number of loyal customers who follow particular merchants seeking new items for gifts or to add to their collections. Last year saw many people more willing to buy handcrafted gifts because they wanted quality products that are made in the USA. A sneak peek of this artisans and their works can be found at www.craftersmarketplace.org and at www.facebook.com/ywcaprinceton.
Because there is still time before the holidays, merchants are often able to accommodate special order requests ensuring the perfect gift for that perfect someone in your life.
Not to be missed is the famous Newcomers’ & Friends Café. Always a welcome treat for weary shoppers, it is a chance to refuel, socialize, and fund a great cause. The cafe offers a chance to nosh on sandwiches, salads, and its famous taco salads – offered with meat and a vegetarian version. Cookies will be baked on the premises throughout the day providing an opportunity to get them “right out of the oven”.
The cafe is just one of many activities the YWCA’s Newcomers’ & Friends does throughout the year. For more than 50 years, the group has welcomed those new to the greater area to “plant roots”, become familiar with the area, and develop new friendships. It offers a variety of year-round activities and outings. Representatives will be on-hand to share their personal stories and welcome anyone wishing to join.
Additionally, one hundred percent of the net proceeds from Crafters’ Marketplace and Cafe will benefit the YWCA Princeton’s Pearl Bates Scholarship Fund, which provides crucial scholarships to women, children and families in need enabling them to participate in programs and services.
Because of the scholarship fund, hundreds in the community have been able to participate in the YWCA’s programs including its after-school programs, nursery school, swim classes, arts and crafts, English as a Second Language, gymnastics, adult education programs, dance, the bilingual nursery school, and summer camps.
“Bates scholarships have been awarded to people from age 3 to those age 80+ providing an opportunity to learn, laugh, and learn,” shares Hasili. The need for scholarships has increased particularly in these challenging economic times.
Being able to give a child a chance to participate in our after school program, or enhancing an adult’s English skills so they can speak with their doctor or advance in job are just a few of the ways the scholarships help. One beneficiary benefited from the YWCA’s aquatics program as part of her rehabilitation. For others, it’s having a welcoming place in which to learn and have fun that somehow morphs into a family.
Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors (62+) and those under age 16, and free for children under age 6. Please note that strollers are not allowed by order of the local fire marshal. Visit www.craftersmarketplace.org or www.ywcaprinceton.org for more information on the show and this year’s artisans.

