The Oliver Arts and Crafts Fair is shaping up to be better than ever this year. And like last year, organizers are helping the local food bank by asking people to bring a non-perishable item to this great event.

You will be quite amazed by the new talents and will be intrigued to look closer. Too many to name all, but here is a sampling of what to expect:

Metal work by Humdinger for the home or yard as a decoration or functional addition is a must-see. There will be gift baskets to have a ready- made present for even the pickiest person on your list or fabulous kid’s clothes that are just too cute to pass by. Also there will be pottery with great colours and design or something for that computer friend.

Painters will be bringing their season’s work of oils, watercolours and other media for that wall accent you were looking for. More local talents at the show include wooden spoons, incredible handmade jewellery, golden honey and beeswax candles, baked goods for the season and very tasty preserves from the summer.

And then the fibre artists from in and around Oliver will again please the senses of look, touch and feel. There will be colourful rovings, handspun yarn made into garments, handwoven placemats and funky knitted socks and mittens. Check out the quilting wonders of different vendors who make Christmas ornaments, gift bags,tree skirts and, of course, great quilts.

After you see all there is to see, there will be time for refreshments or for the bigger hunger, a bowl of soup with a sandwich and a dessert to follow. The kitchen is, like every year, ready with all these goodies and never seem to run out of the good stuff.

So, don’t forget that food donation, bring a friend and head down to the best arts and crafts fair around!