3 of Modesto area’s biggest holiday craft fairs not happening as browsing season begins

This year’s Christmas craft fair landscape will lack some of the biggest events usually held in the Modesto region.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of places to do your holiday shopping — a host of craft fairs remains on track for your browsing pleasure.

But three of the most popular events won’t be among them. Mod Shop, the McHenry Mansion Christmas Fair (formerly the Dickens Faire) and the Country Folk Art Show & Artisan Market will not be in the mix.

The organizers of Mod Shop, a hugely popular fair previously held annually in downtown Modesto, announced earlier this year they no longer would be putting on the event.

The McHenry Mansion fair won’t be held due to vendor issues and workload, according to Frances Posthumus, manager of the mansion’s gift shop.

“It’s mainly that the vendors didn’t want to clear the streets so early in the day,” she said, referring to the need to wrap up by 1 p.m. for Modesto’s annual Christmas parade. Also, many vendors were not available last year, with other craft fairs held on the same day.

“It was a lot of work and the mansion didn’t have anybody who wanted to take over the work again,” she said.

The Country Folk Art show, held annually at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in Turlock, has been canceled. The traveling market’s website says the Turlock show has been canceled “this year only.”

“For unforeseen circumstances, the show was canceled this year,” Keith Blakely, vice president of Country Folk Art, said. He would not elaborate.

Still, there are plenty of holiday craft fairs to stroll through in November and December throughout the Modesto and Mother Lode regions. Here’s a look at just some of what’s planned:

JOY TO THE WORLD HOLIDAY BAZAAR — Nov. 3-4: Crafts, jams, homemade gifts, Christmas ornaments and more. There will be a patriotic quilt raffle. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Grace Lutheran Church, 617 W. Orangeburg Ave., Modesto.

HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE – Nov. 4: Baked goods, jewelry, clothing, crafts, candles, decor items, food and more. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Neighborhood Church of Modesto, 5921 Stoddard Road. 209-380-2582.

KRIS KRINGLE MARKET — Nov. 4: Handmade holiday items. Chili lunch available. Appearance by Santa for pictures with children. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saron Lutheran Church, 1742 North St., Escalon. 209-838-7695.

ST. PATRICK’S CRAFT FAIR — Nov. 4-5: Handmade items, holiday crafts and baked goods. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-noon Nov. 5. St. Patrick’s Parish Hall, 19399 E. Highway 120, Ripon. 209-838-2133.

CARNEGIE ARTISAN MARKET — Nov. 9: More than 40 vendors with items including jewelry, candles, soaps, woodworking, leather goods, holiday ornaments, cards and more. 5-9 p.m. Carnegie Arts Center, 250 N. Broadway, Turlock. carnegieartsturlock.org.

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIRE — Nov. 9-11: Homemade and handmade items, baked goods, jams and jellies, holiday decorations, quilts and more. Complimentary tea and coffee. Lunch for purchase 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Craft fair 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 640 Minaret Ave., Turlock. 209-667-7712.

HOLIDAY BAZAAR — Nov. 11: Pies, quilts, art, woodworking, more. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mitchell Community Church, 1507 S. Mitchell Road, Turlock. 209-632-5335.

CRAFT FAIR — Nov. 11-12: More than 55 booths with wood crafts, toys, quilts, jewelry, baked goods and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 11, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Nov. 12. Parish Center of St. Mary’s Church, 55 N. Oak Ave. Oakdale. 209-985-1486.

CRAFTY CHICKS – Nov. 18: There will be 50 vendors with vintage repurposed and handmade items, holiday gifts, artisan foods, decor and more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Calaveras County Fairgrounds, Angels Camp. $3 entry. 209-736-2561.

COWBOY CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW – Nov. 24-25: Oakdale Cowboy Museum holiday event with western art, jewelry, apparel, food and entertainment. Cowboy Santa available for photos from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Craft fair 5-8 p.m. Nov. 24; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 25. Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale. 209-847-7049.

HOMETOWN CRAFTERS CHRISTMAS FAIRE – Nov. 24-25: Featuring local artisans and crafters. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 24; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 25. Sonora Opera Hall, 250 S. Washington St., Sonora. 209-559-0923.

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR – Dec 2: Featuring several vendors with homemade and other items. Homemade lunch and other treats available for purchase. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuolumne River Lodge, 2429 River Road, Modesto. 209-537-6651.

RIVERBANK CHRISTMAS PARADE & CRAFT FAIR – Dec. 9: “Country Christmas” craft fair with handmade items. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Community Center, 3600 Santa Fe St. Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. in downtown with vendors also there from 3-7 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at a tree-lighting ceremony following the parade. 209-863-7150.