The fourth annual Helping Hands Festival is a feast for the senses, full of unique handcrafted treasures from around the globe. Local groups will display and sell the work of artisans from countries as diverse as Zambia, Ecuador, Vietnam and Haiti. While you’re there stop by the Fair Trade Resource Network booth and learn more about how consumers around the U.S. are making a difference in the lives of impoverished artisans by making conscious purchasing decisions. All merchandise for sale at the Helping Hands Festival directly benefits artisans and producers who struggle to meet their most basic needs.

The day kicks off at 9:30 with a presentation and conversation with Dr. Kimberly Grimes, professor of anthropology at the University of Delaware-Georgetown, director of the Made by Hand International Cooperative, board chair of the Fair Trade Resource Network. As part of the Spirit & Place Festival, Grimes will discuss tradition and innovation and how it relates to fair trade.