Escape to Explore Sugarloaf Festival's Fine Crafts

Each week, Patch will tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, and maybe a whole lot more enjoyable.

This weekend is an opportunity to enjoy some good old fashioned crafts at the 19th Annual Sugarloaf Crafts Festival, to be held Friday through Sunday at the Garden State Exhibition Center in the Somerset section of Franklin Township.

The festival will feature more than 250 crafters who will be showing their handmade items, which will include pottery, sculpture, jewelry, fashion, wood, metal, furniture, home accessories, photography and fine art.

There will also be several different programs, including continued live demonstrations by the craftspeople themselves, interactive children's activities and live music. The show's theme, A Sensory Celebration, will highlight the experience of enjoying contemporary American crafts, all handmade.

And for those with a different kind of taste, the festival will feature gourmet foods, including candies, chocolates, soups, breads, jams, syrups and olive oils.

For more information about the program, visit the website or call 800-210-9900. Free parking is available on site.

The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $7 online and $9 at the door, while children ages 12 and under can attend for free.

Tickets purchased are good for all three days of the festival.