GULF SHORES, Ala. — Local artists and crafters will be selling their unique, original creations at “The Harvest – A Festival of Gifts” in Gulf Shores on Saturday, Nov. 3.

Hosted by the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church Mothers Day Out and Preschool program and sponsored by Precision Imaging, this annual event will feature the works of artists and crafters specializing in a variety of mediums including paintings, photography, jewelry, home décor, and wood crafts.

“The Harvest Festival honors and supports the talents of artists and crafters while offering a variety of special holiday gifts to the community,” says Lana Crawford, director of the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church Mothers Day Out and Preschool program.

New to the Harvest this year will be the “Kids’ Corner” which will feature free digital holiday photos by Michelle White Originals, hula hoop fun hosted by Jay Everett, a lemonade stand and activities.

Local business, Eddie Boys Ice Cream, will be offering “famous” homemade ice cream free to all festival attendees. Eddie Boy Woerner is a partner of Eddie Boys Ice Cream Flippers Seafood & Oyster Bar.

“We are honored to be a part of the Harvest this year,” Woerner said. “It’s the very least we can do to be able to give back to the community and help the preschool, too. Some of our grandchildren went here.”

Local businesses have partnered with the Harvest – A Festival of Gifts by donating a wide variety of items for the silent auction. Dolphin cruises aboard the Cold Mil Fleet, dinners to area restaurants, photography sessions, jewelry, art, décor, and much more have been donated. Some businesses have chosen to sponsor various areas of the festival. The business sponsors so far are Precision Imaging, Josh Wild State Farm, Safety Coatings, Inc., Chocolate Corner, Household Pest Control, Blue Water Ships Store, Wharf Rental Management, Riviera Dental Care, Alabama Propane Exchange, Storage Plus, and Terri Lynn Productions.

“The support of businesses wanting to be a part of this community event has been wonderful. Their support has enabled us to expand the festival to offer more for the shoppers,” Crawford said.

The Harvest will also feature a Decorated Pumpkin Contest and a Sweet Shop. Winn Dixie of Gulf Shores will be on sight grilling hot dogs and ribs. Admission and parking are free.

The first 200 families to shop will receive a free shopping bag. The Harvest will be from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the south campus of Gulf Shores United Methodist Church at 1720 Gulf Shores Parkway - Winn Dixie Shopping Center.

All proceeds will benefit the contributing local artists and Gulf Shores United Methodist Church Mother’s Day Out and Preschool program. For more information please call 251-968-4328, 251-583-6352, or email theharvestfestival@yahoo.com.

Festival information can also be viewed at www.gulfshoresumc.org and www.facebook.com/TheHarvestFestival.