Every year in Greensboro, North Carolina, the holiday season brings a special treat. Before and after Thanksgiving, a multitude of businesses send their vendors with crafts on full display. They know prospective customers will be looking to get most of their Christmas shopping done right there. Some of it is pretty good. I should know because me and my family do tend to visit the Coliseum a lot whenever they’re in town.
Two Shows, One Tradition
The event goes by two names for two distinct shows, though there’s not much difference between them. The Holiday Market runs the first full weekend in November, right after Halloween. After Thanksgiving, it’s known as the Craft Fair/Craftsmen. Both fall under one title: the Gilmore Shows.
An annual tradition that is now celebrating 50 years and still going, hosting shows in Virginia and the Carolinas, the Gilmore Shows are about as rare as, say, shops like Dewey’s or Hickory Farms who you only see around this time of year. But unlike those stores who usually specialize in baked goods or seasonal merchandise, the Gilmore Shows showcase talent from all over, from toys for the kids to decorations to wood carvings to shirts or to any craft or work of art imaginable.
I remember one year they had a vendor who sold clocks made from wood, especially grandfather clocks. One clock was famously called the Oops Clock because it leaned over to one side. Truth be told, I kind of keep on the lookout in case the vendor shows up again. That Oops Clock served as an inspiration for one of the characters in my Blue Wizard Detective novels.
The Art of Handmade Craftsmanship
One thing I think people love about this festival of small business is that it shows a lot of pure talent. So many people don’t take the time to put together such masterpieces that we see on display with the vendors that come to the show. What I mean by that is you can tell that they don’t rely on computers or machines to help them put together works of art. A lot of what is seen is handmade.
Times have changed with machines and outsourcing. Add to that a lack of enthusiasm from the younger generation, and you get what my father would call a dying breed of family business. But it’s still amazing to see the merchandise on display and the businesses involved. There may be some electronic or mechanical processes at work, but about 99% of the crafting is done by hand by the people doing the selling.
The shows are open to new talent should creative minds decide to take advantage. It depends on the individual, their trade, and how much they’re willing to pay to establish a booth. That information is worked out between the vendor and the people who run the Gilmore Shows. The tradition works well from a small business perspective and helps with promotion too.
Meet the Vendors: Holiday Market/Craftsmen 2025
Walking through the Gilmore Shows is like stepping into a showcase of American craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit. Each booth tells a story of families keeping traditions alive, of artisans pouring their hearts into their work, and of small businesses finding their niche in an increasingly digital world. The vendors come from across the region, some returning year after year, others trying their hand for the first time.
What they all share is a passion for what they create and a willingness to connect directly with customers who appreciate quality over mass production. During my visit this year, I had the chance to speak with several vendors who exemplified what makes the Gilmore Shows special. Their stories and products offer a glimpse into the diverse talent on display.
Let’s meet some of these businesses.
Sports Haven
For all the sports fans out there, we had a variety of stores in this bunch. Sports Haven, based in Virginia and run by Shane E. Parks, specializes in everything sports, from NASCAR to football. I found memorabilia from the Panthers and the Yankees on display. You can even see it reflected in the nutcrackers.
Sports Banners Plus LLC
Based in Pennsylvania, this vendor offers plenty of banners and signs for your favorite teams, plus pictures showing some pretty good Christmas scenes. I don’t mind telling you, my brother and I gravitated to this booth, especially with my brother’s love for classic cars. I found myself a cute little Christmas train picture that would work for display at my place.
Flags Over America
You can’t be mad at me for being patriotic. If there’s one thing that needs to be restored, it’s good old-fashioned American pride. I wouldn’t be American if I wasn’t proud. Flags Over America is probably the best booth of the bunch. He was selling not only flags but also stands, some that could fold down and make a nice Christmas tree.
Crafts of Bethlehem
Based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, they work extensively with olive wood from Israel, crafting everything from nativity scenes to crosses to Noah’s arks, the Last Supper, and so much more (even St. Michael kicking Satan out of heaven for leading the angels in rebellion against God). All beautifully done and all handcrafted.
This business supports not only the culture of Israel but also reflects the Catholic/Christian and Jewish faiths. Olive wood is extremely rare. With the conflict still raging over there despite certain agreements, these vendors support many families still living in that area. They come not just to the Gilmore shows but also to the Greek Festival at the Greek church not far from where I live.
Heartfelt Treasures
This small family-owned business in North Carolina specializes in handmade merchandise. Their booth truly showcases well-crafted items for the holidays. I’m sure they do much more regularly, but based on what was displayed, you can’t help but give these items a second look.
Ark-N-Barks
Here’s one for all dog lovers. Ark-N-Barks, based in New Jersey, is perfect for pet enthusiasts. Depending on what kind of pet you have — in this case, dogs — you can represent them with a flag, ornament, bag, key chain, mug, tumbler, or just about anything. I know a certain cousin of mine would be right at home here.
Weez’s Collectibles
Perfect for all your home decor needs. Around Christmas, they go all out with families of snowmen. And of course, not many people could go without the Grinch.
A Tradition Worth Preserving
We can only hope a tradition like the Gilmore Shows stays around for a long time despite yearly changes and advances in technology. If you have a business you’d like to showcase and promote, you might want to secure a spot. Whether you show up before Thanksgiving for the Holiday Market, after your turkey for the Craftsmen, or both, it’s a great opportunity.
These shows may one day no longer be there. But while they still exist, get on the bandwagon. Get out there and see what they’re all about. You may be surprised at what you find, and you won’t have to worry about delivery fees from Amazon. Don’t get me wrong — I like Amazon too. But sometimes it’s best to head out and see what’s in store, even if the store is a festival of small business.
About the Author
Patrick Cassidy has mysteries and retail in his blood. He’s worked in the retail stores sector during the day, while dedicating his evening to his craft. A published author, Patrick’s stories include the Blue Wizard Detectives series and What the Hoo, loosely based on Rocky, the tiny owl often referred to in the media as the “Times Square Tree owl”. He’s also written And the Right Fielder’s Name about his favorite baseball team, The New York Yankees. Patrick was born and raised in New York. He now resides in Greensboro, N.C., where he patiently creates his next tale.