Home-Grown Alternatives (HGA), a shopping extravaganza for quality items either made or embellished by local artists and craftspeople, has become a firm part of the Bermudian Christmas tradition, and this year's event again takes place on Saturday at St. Paul's Christian Education Centre in Paget.

Last year's successful HGA lucky draw is also being repeated, with many more wonderful prizes to be won.

Music to soothe the shopper is another repeat feature, and this time jazz musician and saxophonist Wendell (Shine) Hayward and vocalist Merlin Morris will share the spotlight, along with interludes from Andrew Chamberlain's `A Street Full of Christmas' CD, which has become known as the event's signature Christmas music.

HGA is reserving two stipend positions for Warwick Academy student Whitney Darrell and MSA student Helena Pipe, who will gift wrap shoppers' purchases in recycled paper (with natural embellishments) fee of charge. This year also marks the continuation of the gratis fundraising table set aside for a local school, and Gilbert Institute will again manage it this year, based on their previous entrepreneurial skills.

HGA's 2002 featured artists and craftspeople, and what they will be selling, include: Suzie Hayward (whimsical creations of angels, decorative painting on wood), Libby Cook (novelty gifts), Sandra O'Brien (baked goods/snacks), Tricia Philips (beeswax candles, handicrafts), Wendy Avery and Tony Jones (blown glass, rum cakes);

Burton Jones (Bermuda cedar products), Charmaine and Jerry Friday (hand-painted T-shirts/tiles), Christine Wellman (wheel-thrown, decorated ceramic pottery), Mary Tatem (Seagrass creations, Christmas wreaths, picture frames, hats, etc.), authors Dale Butler and Daron Lowe (books/ autographs), Jacquie Lohan (jewellery);

Jessica Kriendler and Gillian Ramsdale (jewellery, silk scarves), Lynn Morrell (jewellery, quilts, papier mach?), Rose-Ann Wales (jewellery, etched glassware); Leslie James (slipcast ceramics), Christine Woolridge (functional/decorative ware);

Ronnie Chameau (banana/palm leaf dolls/ornaments/watercolours), Sharon Nannini (hand painted Tuscan pottery), Judy Rollin (handmade Christmas ornaments), Carole Holding (paintings/preserves/prints), Donna Pink (Christmas ornaments/decorative painting on wood).

The event, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the lucky draw at 3.30 pm. Originally the brainchild of Mary Tatem, HGA it is now a collaborative effort between Mrs. Tatem and Mrs. Christine Wellman.