Finest of fine craftsmen on a tank or less!

It's where my brother bought me one of my favorite fall coats. Hand-sewn and made from wool on the artist's farm. It's where buying unique gifts is a no-brainer. Where artists and craftspeople gather to ooh and ahh over each other's work. It's the 75th Annual NH League of Craftsmen Fair in Sunapee, N.H., that began Aug. 2 and runs through Aug. 10. Don't worry, you haven't missed a thing.

Been living under a rock? Sure I understand, but you should know that the League of N.H. Craftsmen's Fair is one of the most prestigious craft events in the country, with 9 full days of both traditional and contemporary works by juried members. It's where finding jewelry for the tough-to-buy-for woman is a breeze and showing the fine skill of woodworkers can woo the otherwise bitter-because-you-brought-me-to-a-fair husband. There are picnic areas onsite, food vendors, free parking, free shuttles, and believe it or not, child care available for $2 an hour. Yes, child care for $2 an hour, so you can and may visit those hand blown glass booths.

The fair also features musicians of various styles, including original acoustic, string, folk, jazz, classical, Congolese rumba, and Caribbean steel drum music. All performances are included in the admission price. Workshops, demos and exhibitions are many, so be sure to check the fair schedule to make sure you don't miss out.

If this is your first fair, then lucky you, because in celebration of its 75th year, the folk and blues legend, Tom Rush, will perform on Thursday, Aug. 7. The Birthday Bash dinner is at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Followed by a fireworks display to rival any on the 4th. Dinner, Tom, and fireworks is $40 per person and sans meal, Tom and fireworks is just $25 per person.

The fair is open daily, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with musical performances at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. If you can't make Thursday's fab show, General Admission is $10 and children 12 and under are free. General admission tickets are good for two days too, because you surely cannot see all there is to see in just one. Leave pets at home please.