This weekend, more than 250 artisans from throughout the country will display more than 24,000 arts and crafts at Cal Expo.

From Nov. 20 - 22, the Sacramento Harvest Festival will offer the community shopping and entertainment.

"We have people that come specifically for a vendor," said Liz Stigge, festival communications officer. "It's great to have that community interaction."

The Sacramento Harvest Festival began 37 years ago in San Francisco. According to Stigge, individual artists, who were part of a national crafting movement in the 1970s, created the festival as forum to collectively display their work and interact with the community.

Since then, the festival has expanded to eight locations in California and one in Las Vegas, Nev. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Sacramento festival. Organizers have attempted to remain true to the festival's roots, however. 

"We only allow American arts and crafts [in the current festival] to honor that tradition," Stigge said.

The festival has also evolved to include an eclectic group of musicians and performers.

"We have a stilt-walker, strolling performers and many bands," Stigge said.

This year the festival is partnering with the Elk Grove Food Bank. Anyone who brings canned food to the event will receive $2 off admission.

Additionally, the event benefits Big Brothers and Sisters of Greater Sacramento, a non-profit organization that mentors children. Attendees may support Big Brothers and Sisters by purchasing a $1 festival shopping bag or through donations.

Tickets cost $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and $4 for teens. Children 12 and under are free and groups of 10 or more may purchase tickets for $5.

For more information, visit: www.harvestfestival.com.

Photographs courtesy of Liz Stigge.