The Valentine Craft and Gift Fair is set to return to Stony Brook University’s Charles B. Wang Center on Saturday, Feb. 7, with about 90 vendors offering treats, gifts, and handmade goods.
Admission and parking are free. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in an indoor setting at 100 Circle Road, Stony Brook.
“This is the second year. I just started it last year,” said JR Nichols, founder of Island Fairs LLC in East Northport.
He explained that the fair fills a lull after the busy fall and holiday seasons, helping local merchants thrive. Most vendors are local.
“There’s not a lot of shows this time of year. There’s no street fairs. A lot of merchants do that in the summer,” he said.
For shoppers, the event can be a welcome change.
“I figure everyone has cabin fever. They want to get out,” Nichols said.
Jewelry is a hot seller during Valentine’s season, along with chocolate, pastries, cookies, and candies.
Vendors also will offer honey, crocheted goods, candles, soaps, crafts, art, clothing, toys, and gifts.
“There’s valentine gifts, but there’s stuff for everyone,” Nichols said, including kids’ merchandise, 3D-printed goods, woodworking, and pocketbooks.
Shoppers can also get a jump start on Easter with some early merchandise expected to be available, he added.
Nichols said he likes the venue for its accessible location and artsy setting. The center also has its own food court for visitors.
Nichols started as a craft-show vendor in the 1990s before launching Island Fairs on the foundation of a 40-year-old craft fair company. He now hosts shows almost year-round.
The next event is the Hauppauge Spring Craft Fair on March 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hauppauge High School, 500 Lincoln Blvd. It will host 100 vendors, and admission is free.
For further details, visit the website.