Weekend Plans for November 10: The Christmas Gift & Hobby Show

You know the adage, "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it?" That goes hand in hand with the definition of crazy (or is it stupid)?: doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. In this case, both apply.

Tomorrow, my mother-in-law and I are going to the 57th annual Christmas Gift & Hobby Show at the State Fairgrounds. Exhibitors include Almost Christmas, Country Bunny Bath & Body, and Classy Lady Boutique. (I'll take two, please!)

Every year, I find myself a willing attendee of art fairs, craft shows, and holiay bazaars, hoping to find gifts and art that are truly unique, arresting, or otherwise purchase-worthy. I almost always go away empty handed. Too many teddy bears dressed in calico dresses and clothes with glittery shit stuck on them. Wouldn't these fairs do a better business if they broadened their scope a little to include stuff that 20- and 30-somethings wanted? (Maybe that demographic is at home on a Saturday morning, recovering from hangovers or chasing young offspring around.) As my husband likes to point out, "You're not the target market."

Still, I am compelled to go. Part of the reason is so I can spend time with people I like (yes, I like my mother-in-law), and part of the reason is that I still expect to unearth the cool painting or excellent birthday present. After all, you just never know.