FOND DU LAC — Holiday shopping is upon us, and Fond du Lac has a way to start small, just before Thanksgiving.

The annual Sigma Holiday House will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds Expo Building, 520 Fond du Lac Ave.

The Holiday House fundraiser started in 1981 at the Elk’s Club, and has since become a Fond du Lac favorite as the area’s largest juried artisan fair. Every year, shoppers flock to the fairgrounds the weekend before Thanksgiving for handmade jewelry, decorations, body care and other products to fill their personal or holiday shopping lists, as well as the cookies made by Sigma members. At the end of the day, the profits raised go to local charities. 

Sigma, a local nonprofit women’s organization, started in 1931 and evolved with various fundraisers to benefit the community, from dances and rummage sales during World War II to fashion shows in the 1950s, according to The Reporter archives.

Tickets to this year’s Holiday House are $5, available from Sigma members and at the door, as well as both Horicon Bank locations, Klapperich Real Estate, National Exchange Bank’s Main Street location, Partners by Design, Boudry Dental, Blue Door Coffee, Fox Valley Savings Bank, Create Salon and Beans and Bites Cafe.

Here are some of the vendors you can find at this year’s fundraiser.

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Angela’s Inspiration

Angela’s Inspiration offers crocheted plushies and hats in a variety of shapes and colors for both custom orders and craft fairs.

A few of the plushie options at Sigma will include colorful dinosaurs, fish, Mabel the chicken and other animals, as well as a few “Mama Mabel” chickens, which come with a chick and an egg that fit inside.

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The Plaid Badger

The Plaid Badger sells dog accessories, including collars, bandanas, bow ties and waste bag holders. Patterns range from solid colors to themed designs, such as flowers or beer, as well as a solid-colored velvet collection.

Holiday patterns include plaid, buffalo plaid, fair isle, holiday lights and more.

For the full collection, visit theplaidbadger.com.

Sew Crafty Gifts

Jessica Krieski of Sew Crafty Gifts makes household items, especially kitchen accessories like hot pads, hanging towels and bowl cozies — bowl-shaped hot pads that protect your hands for soup and other dishes.

She has also sold potato bags, sundresses, playing card holders and bags.

Creatively Renewed

Creatively Renewed repurposes reclaimed wood and pallets for indoor or outdoor decorations, including bird houses, seasonal signs and other sculptures.

Holiday decorations have included pallet board Christmas trees and Santas, as well as themed welcome signs.

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920crafted

920crafted specializes in wooden projects like barn quilts and maps of state parks, trails and supper clubs — whether in the shape of Wisconsin or a surrounding state.

Owner Gwen Mayers also offers wooden signs, wall decor, cribbage boards, and holiday ornaments and decorations.

For all offerings and custom orders, visit 920crafted.com.

Daphne Lemke is the Streetwise reporter for the Fond du Lac Reporter. Contact her at [email protected].