Buying Power

Before you head out to the mall and begin purchasing holiday gifts made who-knows-where by who-knows-whom — and in who-knows-what kind of working conditions — consider stopping by the Fair Trade Market, happening this weekend at St. John United Church of Christ (405 South Fifth Street, St. Charles). Oh, what's that? You haven't even considered holiday shopping yet? And you won't for at least another month? You're too busy coping with going off Daylight Saving Time and trying to get through Thanksgiving and, really, just working to make it through today, and you can't fret about what gifts you'll be buying people right now? No worries. This market welcomes procrastinators, too, as well as those who could benefit from a little retail therapy — seriously, just buy a necklace or something and relax, OK? Fortunately, it will be easy to find stuff you like, with jewelry, clothing, chocolate, home-décor items and other awesome goods coming to the market from fairly paid artisans living in more than 60 developing countries. The Fair Trade Market is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday (November 15 and 16). To learn more, call the church at 636-946-0961.
Sat., Nov. 15; Sun., Nov. 16, 2008