If you’re looking for something to do next weekend, September 19, 2020, to put you in the fall spirit- look no further than the 2020 Fall Arts & Crafts Market Extravaganza.

The 2020 Fall Arts & Crafts Market is at the South Carolina State Farmers Market. Consequently, the South Carolina State Farmers Market is just a quick trip up Highway 321/Charleston Highway into West Columbia, South Carolina, from Columbia’s Soda City Market.  

According to the Midlands Crafters Association’s webpage, they were “assembled in 2009 as a way of gathering all of the best local crafters and vendors in the Midlands and reaching all corners of South Carolina.” In addition to the Fall Arts & Crafts Market, the Midlands Crafters Association holds a spring event. The spring event is historically called the Step into Spring Craft Show Extravaganza. Last year’s Spring Craft Show Extravaganza was a fundraiser benefiting the Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital. 

This event is a budget-friendly event for the whole family. The Fall Arts & Crafts Market is hosted by the Midlands Crafters Association. Patrons of the Fall Arts & Crafts Market receive free admission and free parking. The event begins at 9 AM and lasts until 4 PM. Market-goers can expect to see “over 75 of the best local and small businesses including crafters and vendors from all over SC,” according to the event’s Facebook page.  A list of vendors can be found on the Midlands Crafters Association webpage (and below).

In addition to featuring over 75 small businesses, crafters, and vendors, the Fall Arts & Crafts Market is having a Silent Auction to benefit Harvest Hope Food Bank. Harvest Hope Food Bank is South Carolina’s largest food bank. According to their website, they provide over 50,000 meals a week to “neighbors in need” across the state. Harvest Hope Food Bank has been serving South Carolina with the mission to eliminate hunger and food insecurity since 1981.

Remarkably, Harvest Hope Food Bank “provides food for organizations across the state who serve families in need.” Additionally, they make special allocations for vulnerable residents; defining vulnerable residents as children, seniors, and people in rural areas without access to grocery stores. Ultimately, the mission of Harvest Hope Food Bank is “to transform lives in the communities we serve by feeding the hungry, addressing food insecurity, and building a healthy and hopeful hunger-free tomorrow.” To learn more about the mission of Harvest Hope Food Bank and how you can help, be sure to check out their website.  

Undoubtedly, we are experiencing unprecedented times amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. With that in mind, the Fall Arts & Crafts Market provides the disclaimer that they are “following all CDC requirements as well as State and Local Government guidelines for COVID-19.” While masks are strongly encouraged on the Facebook page, social distancing is required. 

The 2020 Fall Arts & Crafts Market Extravaganza is a great event to go out of the house and shop for the holidays. Not only will you support local small businesses, but participation in the silent auction will benefit the Harvest Hope Food Banks. Keep Lexington Yankee in mind for planning your Saturdays in Soda City.