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By ALEXANDRA DAVIS
davis.alexandra@dailygleaner.com

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Frederictonians celebrated the beginning of the holiday season with the annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Show at the Capital Exhibit Centre on the weekend.

With more than 90 vendors, there was a wide variety of crafts, jewelry, clothing, edible treats and more to meet every gift giving need.

Ludger and Gaetane Morneault of Tissage "Fil d'Or" Weaving in Grand Falls, say they try to attend the show every year to sell their hand-woven table cloths, place mats, scarves and blankets.

"Christmas is our busiest time of the year," said Gaetane Morneault. "We try to go to craft fairs around New Brunswick."

She said the hand-crafted pieces are of a high quality, and tend to be a popular choice as Christmas gifts.

"They're unique and also practical items. They are also very easy to care for."

James Aman was another vendor at the show. He was selling handmade marionettes on behalf of his family's business, Fish River Crafts of Fort Kent, Maine.

Aman said it was a busy weekend, with many people showing interest in the toys.

"Mostly we sell to kids, and people buying for children," he said. "About a third of our business is around Christmas time."

He said he and his family has a long history of crafting the toys.

"My parents started the business 30 years ago," Aman said. "I enjoy making (the marionettes) because each one is different. There's always something new to focus on."

Doug Cottrell said he comes to the arts and crafts show every year to get started on his Christmas shopping.

On Sunday, he was stocking up on pottery, jams and cakes.

"It's a great place to get things like jams and jellies and gifts," Cottrell said. "We come a couple times every year. We'll be back again when they're here in December."

He said the show serves as a social event for him as well.

"I've seen a lot of people today that I haven't seen since last year, from all over the place," Cottrell said. "It gives me a chance to talk and catch up.

"Even if I don't buy something from everyone, it's always nice to see them."