“You can’t buy love, but you can buy handmade and that’s kind of the same thing.”
-Anonymous

In the heart of Pittsfield, the largest city in Berkshire County, MA, lays the unique space that is the Shire City Sanctuary. Since being purchased in 2006 by local artisan and businesswoman Crispina French and her husband, the space, formerly the Notre Dame Church built in 1895, went through several transformations before becoming the current manifestation of Makerspace.

The first of its kind in the Berkshires, Shire City Sanctuary houses a commercial kitchen, gallery space, a screen-printing shop, a Cyber Office and commercial sewing equipment. The space is used for activities ranging from community suppers and events to workshops on a variety of topics. One of their most popular events is the annual Holiday Shindy. Now in its 11^th year, this juried fair offers local handmade crafts from 60 vendors including farmers, jewelers, clothing designers, woodworkers, toymakers, potters, and much more. Family-friendly, the event also offers food and live music all for a general admission price of only $3 (children under 12 are free).

The Shire City Sanctuary Holiday Shindy takes place Saturday, December 9^th from 10am to 6pm and Sunday, December 10^th from 11am to 4pm. For more information on this year’s vendors, visit www.holidayshindy.com.

Also not to be missed in Berkshire County, MA this weekend is the Holiday Shop, Sip & Stroll taking place Saturday, December 9^th from 2pm-8:30pm, in Downtown Gt. Barrington. This event is sponsored by the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, and includes numerous children’s activities, hayrides, caroling, a parade, fireworks and more. For a full schedule of events, visit http://southernberkshirechamber.com/event/southern-berkshire-chamber-of-commerce-2017-holiday-shop-sip-stroll/.