Find out where you can get a jump on holiday shopping in Sandoval County

Holiday shopping can be stressful, but in Sandoval County, holiday shopping is accessible for shoppers and employees alike.

For six years, Sandoval County has hosted a holiday craft fair put on by the Sandoval County Employee Appreciation Committee. This year’s fair will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15.

“What we do as a committee is we raise money throughout the year, like with the holiday craft fair, or we have a flea market during the summer with a car show, or we sell like hot dogs and nachos or popcorn throughout the year to raise money so that we could hold a holiday luncheon for all Sandoval County staff,” said Nikki Holm-Garcia, senior administrative assistant for Sandoval County.

County traditions: Sandoval County's holiday craft fair brings joy to shoppers and staff alike

The holiday craft fair, which is open to both the public and Sandoval County employees, allows shoppers to purchase gifts for the holidays early, made by local vendors. The holiday craft fair also gives county employees the opportunity to shop inside their work building during lunch.

“We have staff who come down to shop, which gives them the chance to do a little bit of holiday shopping during their lunch hour or for breaks,” Holm-Garcia said. “We usually have about anywhere from 100 to 300 people who come in throughout the day doing some holiday shopping.”

This year, 33 local vendors will set up shop inside the Sandoval County Administration Building.

“Vendors will be selling different items, from tumblers to jewelry, handcrafted jewelry, body soaps and lotions, and we have people making rice bags, holiday wreaths, baked goods,” Holm-Garcia said. “Usually, including this year, the vendor spaces sell out right away. They enjoy coming and selling their items here at Sandoval County in the atrium.”

Sandoval County residents aren’t the only people welcome to visit the holiday craft fair. Holm-Garcia said in the past, shoppers have also come from Albuquerque and neighboring areas to enjoy the holiday craft fair.

“It’s right here in Sandoval County, so I think having people throughout the community to be able to come and do some holiday shopping makes everyone happy,” Holm-Garcia said. “For county workers, I think it’s appealing to get some of that holiday shopping done during the day.”

This year, the craft fair will be especially in season, with holiday decorations and large trees decking the Sandoval County halls. Santa Claus will also make an appearance at the craft show from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“If people want to bring their grandchildren or just come in and have a picture taken with Santa, they could do that,” Holm-Garcia said.