ALBUQUERQUE, NM - The Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival Holiday Show brings a top-notch, one-of-a-kind shopping experience to Albuquerque over Thanksgiving Weekend. Festival goers won't find big box, mass produced items anywhere in this festival , but instead original work by a juried lineup of 200 fine craftsmen and artisans.

This event features a wide array of handmade items for sale directly from the artists themselves, making the discovery of the perfect gift a memorable and fun experience. Kicking off on Black Friday large crowds of local shoppers are expected to attend the 15th Annual Holiday Show. Not only is this a tradition for many families in the metro area, it is also a competitive show for artists to get into from a national perspective. Rio Grande's jury process ensures that there will be a range of high-quality items and also price points that don't intimidate the average holiday shopper.

In addition to visual arts, the Holiday Show offers live entertainment, specialty foods in ‘Culinary Row', the Kid's Creation Station, and even complimentary photo opportunities with Santa Claus. Throughout the weekend, attendees will enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere that leaves everyone in the spirit of the season, and hopefully with lots of gift buying underway!

We invite your coverage to focus on this local event which highlights American-made items on this Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Thanksgiving Weekend.

Dates and Times - November 28, 29, 30, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Daily

Location - EXPO New Mexico's Lujan Exhibit Building

Admission - $7.00, kids are free, $9.00 Festival Pass (unlimited admission and free return parking all 3 day

For more information please visit www.riograndefestivals.com