Fair trade is a just and sane economic shopping choice for both artisan and purchaser. St. Louis has the distinction of hosting the largest Fair Trade Market in the nation, with events beginning Saturday and Sunday (November 22 and 23) and wrapping up this weekend (Friday and Saturday, November 28 and 29) at Manchester United Methodist Church (129 Woods Mill Road, Manchester). Enjoy browsing a huge array of handmade gifts — averaging only about $20 each — from more than 50 countries around the world. Best of all, these goods are produced by people paid a decent, living wage for their work; it's a win-win scenario for everyone involved. In addition to this ideal holiday-gift-buying opportunity, food and entertainment (including the Oasis Beyond the Veil dance troupe, pictured, performing at 1 p.m. on Friday) will be on tap. Go to www.manchesterumc.org/fairtrademarket or call 636-394-7506 for further details; the market is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free.
Fri., Nov. 28; Sat., Nov. 29, 2008