Since 1966, Northeast Floridians have gathered every year the weekend after Thanksgiving for the Art & Craft Festival, presented by the St. Augustine Art Association. Over the years, it has grown to be regarded by art enthusiasts, artists and collectors to be one of the year’s premier art festivals.

This year’s festival will be on Saturday and Sunday, November 30 and December 1 at Francis Field. More than 130 artists are expected to feature their work, including paintings, pottery, jewelry and apparel, glassware, sculptures, woodwork and fiber art, photography, mixed media, fine hand-crafted creations and just about anything local artists can dream up.

Forget Black Friday! This is the place to buy truly unique gifts for everyone on your Christmas list andsupport local artists.

This year’s event will also feature more festival fun:

• Demonstrations: Artisan demos will include weaving, basket-making and spinning using colonial era techniques. Other artist demos will teach the art of metalworking, stained glass, clay pottery, photography, jewelry-making, calligraphy and more.

• Kids Activities: The Hyundai Kids Art Zone will be set up for children to create their own art. Kids have the chance to meet the big guy himself, Santa, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

• Pets Welcome: A pet area will have water and other pet amenities sponsored by SAFE Pet Rescue (all dogs must remain on a leash).

• Food: A wide variety of international food, beer and wine will be available.

• Raffles: Visit the Bath Fitter booth (near concessions) for your chance to win a $100 gift certificate to spend on art at the festival! Drawings will be on Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 2 p.m. on the music stage. You must be present to win.

• Music: Live music will play all day on Saturday and Sunday featuring 11 local bands like the Ancient City Slickers and the Dunehoppers.

Admission is $2 at the gate. All proceeds go to the St. Augustine Art Association, founded in 1924 to support the local arts scene.

Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Francis Field is located at 29 West Castillo Drive right beside the downtown parking garage where all-day parking is available for $15 per vehicle. On Saturday only, a free park-and-ride shuttle will run starting at 1 p.m. from St. Johns County Health Department (200 San Sebastian View) and San Marco Lot (301 San Marco Avenue).