The popular Home Grown Alternatives Christmas Market will be held tomorrow at St. Paul's Christian Education Centre, in Paget.

Organisers Mary Tatem and Deirdre Furtado told The Royal Gazette there will be 24 participants this year.

"These artisans will display and sell their own unique crafts, some of which have been designed and made especially for this event," Mrs. Tatem said. "We have old favourites (returning) like Ann Coakley, who makes nativity scenes and ornaments, while Burton Jones has his Bermuda cedar products and Carla Marquardt's stained glass ornaments and unique fish sculptures are to be expected."

Other artisans featured include Carolyn Telford, who will be selling jewellery and Christmas wreaths, and Charmaine and Jerry Friday, who will offer decorated tiles and hand-painted T-shirts.

Two authors — Minister Dale Butler and Darren Lowe, a writer and illustrator of children's books — will have their publications on hand for Christmas shoppers.

Mrs. Furtado is also an exhibitor with her Bermuda banana dolls ready for display.

"I now have a good idea of what appeals to people who attend a show like this," she said. "I find that locals really prefer my banana dolls to have a natural look."

Other offerings to be found at the unique fair will be jewellery from Kelli and Roseclair Thompson, Milton Hill's cedar sailboats and other crafts, gift baskets and silk flower arrangements from Romona Cardell, blown glass and sumptuous rum cakes from Wendy Avery, scented candles from Dena Lister and Denise Giles-Woodhouse will be selling carved cutting boards and table toppers.

First-timers exhibitors include Dan and Deanne DeSilva, who will be selling artwork and painted birdhouses, and Gail and Robin Marirea, who will be offering handmade kimonos, quilts and rare plants.

Also new on offer this year will be tabletop water fountains from Terry Chapman, quilts from Gladys MacIntyre and greeting cards and hand-painted Christmas bowls from Nichole Ratteray.

Wendell (Shine) Hayward will be setting the scene with his saxophone sounds. "Shine will be there all day and will play his sax from time to time and answer questions regarding his music," Ms Tatem said. "The event has always been family oriented and, in keeping with this tradition, Shine's daughter, Nishanthi Bailey, is joining us this year."

Ms Bailey will be selling decorative handbags.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Paul's Christian Education Centre, Paget. For further information visit www.homegrownalternatives.com.