A local holiday craft fair kicked off at the Blaisdell Center, good news for Hawaiʻi shoppers and small businesses looking for an early start on holiday gifts.

• Over 275 local vendors are selling handmade goods, food, clothing, and accessories through the weekend.
• Items include Big Island snack foods, locally made Hawaiian-print clothing, and handmade hair accessories, including from a teenage entrepreneur.
• The fair runs through the weekend at the Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall, with a modest admission fee and free entry for children and military.
• The event supports local makers and family-run businesses, including at least one mother-daughter team and a young solo entrepreneur.

Outlook: The fair continues through the weekend, giving shoppers more chances to buy local gifts before the holidays.