San Jose Harvest Festival Celebrates Black Friday by Supporting Independent, American Artisans

This year, Black Friday
shoppers have the chance to forgo the big box stores and support independent
artists and craftspeople by visiting the San Jose Harvest Festival, happening
November 23-25 at the San Jose Convention Center.

"Black Friday is the
biggest shopping day of the year," said Nancy Glenn, Harvest Festival Show
Manager. "Our goal, just as it was 40 years ago, is to give visibility to
the small businessperson by providing a venue to showcase and sell their
crafts."  

2012 marks the 40th
Anniversary tour of the Harvest Festivals, which began in San Francisco as a forum for independent
artists to exhibit their wares. The show continues to hold to its time honored
traditions of vetted, American made crafts in an environment offering down-home
family fun.  

Adding to the entertainment
this year is crowd favorite Tom Rigney and Flambeau, a band that blends
American Roots styles into a completely original sound, mixing infectious
grooves with deep musicality and spectacular solos. Also appearing on the main
stage is John Park, known for his "Funny Waiter" show where he melds
comedy and intricate tricks like plate spinning. There will also be the lovable
strolling performers like Mama Claus and Eddie the Elf who wander the aisles
and serenade shoppers with holiday classics.

Nature of Art for Kids, an
eco-friendly company offering non-toxic art supplies for children, will host
the hands on KidZone where kids can participate in take and make arts and
crafts. Located
next to the KidZone will be a special Child ID feature, sponsored by New York
Life. Parents can bring their child to be photographed, fingerprinted and get
essential information stored on a CD to have if needed in an emergency.

The San Jose Glass Artist
Alliance will also be hosting a stained glass  workshop where Harvest Festival patrons can
learn the intricacies of glass art and, for a small fee to cover materials,
create their own ornament.

The official charity of the show
is Humane Society Silicon Valley, a non-profit organization committed to animal
welfare in every facet. Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) will receive half
of the proceeds from shopping bag sales and all of the proceeds from the bag
and parcel check.

Plus, anyone who brings a
non-perishable food donation to support the Second Harvest Food Bank will
receive a $2 off admission discount.

The Harvest Festivals are
the largest indoor arts and crafts show on the West Coast, featuring over
24,000 handmade gifts. Attendees can interact with artisans, get purchases
personalized and browse from such items as original art, photography, jewelry,
clothing, specialty foods, pottery, home decor and more.

What:             The San Jose Harvest Festival® Original Art and
Craft Show

When:             November 23-25, 2012 (San Jose Convention Center, 150 W. San Carlos St, San Jose
CA  95113)

Hours:            Friday:
9am – 6pm, Saturday: 10 am – 6pm, Sunday: 10 am – 5pm

Cost:              Adults: $9, Seniors (62+): $7, Youth (13-17):
$4, 12 & Under:  Free

Info:              For tickets and information, please call 1-800-346-1212
or visit www.harvestfestival.com

Press:            Contact the Larose Group at
650-548-6700 or email Lrosinski@prmagic.com

ABOUT THE HARVEST FESTIVAL
ORIGINAL ART AND CRAFT SHOW®:

The Harvest Festivals began
40 years ago in San Francisco
as a destination for artists and craftspeople to sell their handmade products.
Today, the event has grown to encompass nine shows in the state of California, Nevada and Arizona and still continues its tradition by only
featuring arts and crafts made in the United States.  Each exhibitor is subject to a rigid jury
process to be selected as an artisan, ensuring a rich diversity and high
quality of all products sold. The Harvest Festivals are owned and managed by
Western Exhibitors.