Ten Thousand Villages Festival Sale is back in Owen Sound for its 20th year. Food, toys, jewellry, linens and decorations crafted around the world will be held this year at the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour at 4th Avenue West and 10th Street from now until December 2.
"We are very happy to be welcomed into our new home this year," said Sylvia Statham – one of the committee of organizers along with Betty Adair, Vera Weller and Sharon MacKenzie-Jordan.
The sale of fairly traded products from around the world began in Owen Sound in 1988 in a store in St. Francis' Place on 10th Street East. The shop moved to a storefront across from city hall before a decision was made to reduce overhead costs and focus on sales in the holiday season. Hundreds of volunteers and thousands of committed customers have continued to make the sale a success.
Ten Thousand Villages brings crafts and foods from communities throughout the developing world and "every purchase improves the lives of makers by supporting their craft and providing a fair, stable income."
"At Ten Thousand Villages, we don't believe in have-nots. We believe in not-yets. We lay the groundwork for sustainable change by providing a space for people to take charge of their own lives and build something for themselves."
The sale will take place from noon to 7 p.m. every day until Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

"We offer a way for you to become part of the story, to shop your values and give gifts with meaning."
If this week does not work for you, or the treasure you want is not available, Ten Thousand Villages offers on-line shopping and shipping at their website.