The West Craft Fest‘s Spring edition was supposed to be this Saturday at The Woodlands. Unfortunately, the popular community event featuring dozens of local artists and artisans was cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but folks are invited to check out the vendors’ unique offers at a “virtual craft fest” on social media. You can find lots of great Mother’s Day gift ideas there.

On Saturday the Fest’s Facebook and Instagram pages, offers, features and vendor updates will be posted with the hashtag #VirtualWestCraftFest. You can follow those pages if you haven’t already, check out the full list of vendors, and make a purchase online if you can (many will offer discounts that day!). 

Many vendors are (very) small businesses who rely on events like West Craft Fest for the majority of their income. With everything cancelled for the spring season, they need support more than ever. Even if you can’t make a purchase, sharing your favorite makers’ updates can make a big difference.

By the way, the longtime Craft Fest organizer, West Philly-based gift shop VIX Emporium, has an online shop with new additions almost daily and their delivery area has recently expanded, to not one but two miles from the shop. Local customers can enter promo code “LOCAL” during checkout to remove the shipping charge and get free next-day delivery within 2 miles of the Emporium, located at 50th and Baltimore. Shipping is available anywhere in the U.S.

“Thanks a million, to everyone who has ordered from us since everything changed last month,” VIX Emporium owner Emily Dorn wrote in an email message to her customers and supporters. “You’ve been keeping us afloat, which is a great reassurance that what we’re doing is worthwhile. Though what we offer is non-essential, it’s so gratifying to know that people still appreciate the little extras, things that make life more beautiful and gifts more special. From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate you so very much!”