Buying local ---ideas for 11/26 and beyond

[Tanuki]

I thought it might be helpful to have a thread for promoting local small businesses, farmers, craftspeople, etc. Here are some ideas for a start, and I hope others will add to this:
-The Crafts Center of Cannon County (in Woodbury)is having its annual craft artists' holiday sale on Saturday, Nov. 26 from 9-5.
http://www.cannoncourier.com/craft-artists-holiday-sale-cms-6731
"One day only, Saturday, November 26 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at The Arts Center of Cannon County. Great deals for holiday shopping!
An alternative to BLACK FRIDAY, where you will find one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts for all the people on your list.
The Holiday Sale is an exciting and festive alternative to mall and big box import shopping! Choose from a variety of beautiful and unique gift items when top craft artists from throughout the region will offer for sale their original ceramics, jewelry, fiber, paper, pottery, photography, baskets, stained glass and much more. Over 25 artists will be participating so plan on coming early for best selection.
Admission is FREE and open to the public. Make your plans now to visit the Craft Artists Holiday Sale, but be sure that you give yourself plenty of time because you will not want to miss all that this year’s sale has to offer.

This event is sponsored in part by the Cannon Association of Crafts Artists, The Arts Center of Cannon County and The Tennessee Arts Commission and will be held at The Arts Center of Cannon County, 1424 John Bragg Highway, just west of the town of Woodbury, approximately 20 minutes from Murfreesboro, Manchester, and McMinnville and one hour southeast of Nashville.

For additional information call 615-563-2787 or 1-800-235-9073 or visit www.artscenterofcc.com."

- <www.picktnproducts.org> is a wonderful resource: "by clicking on the pictures, or on the menu, you can access directories for all sorts of foods and fun available at Tennessee farms, farmers markets and other retail outlets. Useful pages that list nurseries and greenhouses will help you find plants that can thrive in Tennessee—because they’ve been locally grown. From Christmas trees to country hams, and from wineries to watermelons, you can find it on a Tennessee farm!"

- <www.thistlefarms.org> "At Thistle Farms, a social enterprise for women who have survived lives of violence, prostitution, and addiction, and Magdalene, its two-year residential community, we believe that love is the strongest force for change in the world." ...."Buying Thistle Farms products directly benefits the women who made them. While many products on the market will contribute a portion of their proceeds to a good cause, when you purchase Thistle Farms products ALL proceeds go back to the program....
Purchase our hand-made natural body care products not just for gifts, but for ongoing use in your home or business. It is a significant way to contribute to the ongoing life of the Magdalene/Thistle Farms community - and to make a statement to your own ...friends and family about the value of healing and recovery for all of us.Some great ways to use Thistle Farms Products:

* At home by sinks, baths and showers - wherever skins needs pampering.
* Keeping hands clean and air fresh at an office or church.
* All around giving for Birthdays and Holidays.
* Naturally gentle baby gifts.
* Unique gifts for weddings.
* A green and socially conscious way to get married
(learn how to have a Thistle Farms wedding here).
* A fresh way to show teacher, administrative assistant or boss appreciation.
* Corporate Giving that makes a great social contribution."