Artisans festival in Hartford

HARTFORD - November is all about the big stuffed bird on the fourth Thursday of the month. But let us not forget that the next day marks the kickoff of the holiday shopping season.

Finding the perfect gifts can be a daunting task. But the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival this weekend could help you make a dent in this year's list.

More than 250 artisans are expected to fill the floors with unique creations, including pottery, jewelry, and photography.

If you want to take a break from shopping, artists will offer demonstrations of wheel-thrown pottery, metal spinning, stone carving, clay artistry, and more.

For the kids, Sugarloaf offers a Middle Earth Studio, where fairy tales unfold before your eyes. Audience members can don costumes and act out tales told by a Middle Earth storyteller.

A day of shopping can leave you hungry and Sugarloaf will help take the edge off. Sellers will offer samples of specialty foods such as herbed dips, Scottish baked goods, and enchilada stew.

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival, Connecticut Expo Center, Hartford. Nov. 14-16. Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10-5. Adults $8 (good all three days), children under age 12 free. www .sugarloafcrafts.com/festivals/hartford/fall/.

KIMBERLY SHERMAN