Orono, Maine - The University of Maine M Club and Athletic Department will welcome thousands to campus for the launch of the new Great Black Bear Craft Fair in October 7-8, 2023.

This huge indoor fair and marketplace kicks off the 2023 holiday shopping season and will feature 100+ vendors, Maine products, craft demonstrations, exciting raffles and more.

The Great Black Bear Craft Fair and Marketplace will take place in the New Balance Field House on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m - 4 p.m. The New Balance Field House will be filled with craft and food vendors selling their wares, including quilts, jewelry, pottery, fudge, toys, pet products, needlework and more.

Admission is $5 for adults. Students with a current UMaine ID and children 12 and under are admitted free. There will be plenty of free parking and local food trucks will be parked outside the Field House to satisfy hungry shoppers. No food or beverages are allowed in the Field House.

All proceeds from the Great Black Bear Craft Fair go to support the University of Maine Athletic Department's commitment to excellence and the University of Maine M Club, which serves UMaine student-athletes, past present and future.

For more information, please visit facebook.com/thegreatblackbearcraftfair or email UMaineMClub@gmail.com. Crafters can participate in the show by applying online at goblackbears.com/tickets.

###
Sue Pate: 207-249-9245, suepate@roadrunner.com
Cherie Damon: 207-949-4745, cdicemom2@aol.com
Chris Corro: 207-659-2838, momdadcorro@gmail.com