CHOCOWINITY — Area residents won’t have to go far this year to find the perfect gift for everyone on their holiday shopping list.

And the best thing is, shopping locally helps one avoid the hustle and bustle of mall shopping while supporting the local economy.

Two arts and crafts events are planned in Chocowinity, with the first scheduled for Saturday when Tar Heel Variety Theater hosts its first ever fall bazaar. In November, the Chocowinity Fire Department Auxiliary will sponsor its annual Christmas Expo.

On Saturday, shoppers can browse booths set up at the theater from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to owner Angie Lewis. She advised shoppers to come with their Christmas list in hand in order to get a jumpstart on holiday gift buying.

“We’d like a crowd to come out and see all the great items that will be here,” Lewis said. “We’ll have so many vendors with great things.”

In fact, more than three dozen vendors are expected, with merchandise ranging from jewelry, scarves and monogrammed bags to handmade bird houses, wreaths, soaps and wood crafts. Also available will be die cast collectible cars, candles, quilts and baby blankets.

Bargain hunters will even find a few treasures among the yard sale items, Lewis added. And all that shopping will certainly work up an appetite, so be prepared to stay for breakfast and lunch items served throughout the day. A bake sale is also planned.

For more information about this weekend’s bazaar, contact Lewis at 252-975-2117. Tar Heel Variety Theater is located on Carrow Road, just off N.C. Highway 33 west of Chocowinity.

The Chocowinity Fire Department Auxiliary’s Christmas Expo, part of the town’s early holiday celebration, is planned for Nov. 22, according to auxiliary president Regina Elks.

The organization is presently booking space for the expo, which runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Early bird shoppers may also enjoy a pancake breakfast, with funds from that event benefiting Angels N Camo, Elks said.

Booth rentals for the Christmas Expo are $50 per space for a 10 by 10-foot spot, if reserved and paid by Nov. 17.

Merchandise traditionally available during the expo includes holiday decorations, wreaths, personalized Christmas tree ornaments, jewelry, wreaths, handmade hair bows, crafts and gift items.

For more information about the expo, or to reserve a space, contact Elks at 252-945-0601 or reginaelks@hotmail.com.