The Shepherdstown 1st Weekend Handmade Market launches its third year this weekend. Local and regional artists, artisans and crafters will come together April 4 and 5 for the first installment of the monthly market series which runs April through November at the War Memorial Building, 102 E. German Street. The market is open this Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. There is always free admission.

This year, makers at the Handmade Market will offer creative home decor, skillful fine art, functional pottery, beautiful sewn items, stained glass art, statement jewelry, awesome accessories and so much more. In addition to the returning favorites, new sellers will be joining us this season to offer their unique handmade goodness, so there will be something new to see each month. The market series is also planning several special markets this year, such as the Solstice Market, and the All Jewelry, Only Jewelry Market. Check out their Facebook page for schedules, featured sellers and other up-to-date information: facebook.com/SCCHandmadeMarket.

This weekend, shop the creative works of: Toni Kay Dye (hand-painted feathers and wildlife art), Michael Dye (hand-carved wizard wands, fantasy figurines), Legend Mountain (soft sculpture, applique and folk art), Happy Cat Stained Glass (brilliant stained glass panels and art), Creations by Tigerlily (crochet items, aprons, catnip cat toys, bookmarks).

The Handmade Market is sponsored by the Shepherdstown Community Club (SCC). Monies collected from sellers’ space fees go towards the maintenance and operation of the historic War Memorial Building, an important civic and community hub in downtown Shepherdstown, and the 21-acre public access Morgan Grove Park. From 2013-2014, the Handmade Market series raised over $20,000 for the Shepherdstown Community Club.

While in vibrant downtown Shepherdstown, stock up on locally-grown farm-fresh foods, cheeses, baked goods, garden plants and natural products at the Shepherdstown Farmers Market, open Sundays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. behind the Handmade Market. Browse the quaint local shops and boutiques, have a delicious lunch at one of Shepherdstown’s finest eateries, stop by the Visitor Center and grab a map to take the walking tour through our lovely historic town. Go to www.shepherdstown.us to find a guide to public parking in Shepherdstown.

Save the Dates! 2015 Handmade Market Dates and Hours: April 4-5, May 2-3, June 6-7, July 4-5, Aug. 8-9, Sept. 5-6, Oct. 3-4, November 7-8. Open Saturdays from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.