Jewelry designer June Sugihara at last year’s Silver Bells, held at Hotel Kabuki. (Photo by J.K. Yamamoto)

Kimochi Inc.’s annual Silver Bells Arts and Crafts Faire will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at a new venue — the Event Center at St. Mary’s Cathedral, located at 1111 Gough St. (at Geary Boulevard), walking distance from San Francisco’s Japantown.

This free one-day event features handcrafted items made by more than 70 talented Asian and Pacific Islander artisans from throughout California and Hawaii.

Parking is available. Kimochi will also be running a free shuttle to/from Japantown’s Peace Plaza (Post and Buchanan streets).

“You won’t want to miss this special holiday event,” said a Kimochi spokesperson. “Shoppers come from near and far to experience Silver Bells, where there’s something for everyone. It’s the place to shop, whether you’re looking for that special one-of-a-kind gift, something practical and affordable, or something silly and fun.

“You’ll find a wide a variety of jewelry, home décor items, purses, stationery products, apparel, candles, magnets, soaps, baby items, scarves, bags, etched glass frames, blankets, hats, key chains, ceramics, original artwork, ornaments, and lots more.”

There will be five raffle drawings throughout the day with lots of prizes donated by participating vendors. Shoppers can purchase raffle tickets or shop to earn free tickets.
“Remember to mark your calendar and plan to spend the day at Silver Bells, so you have plenty of time to visit all of the vendors,” said the spokesperson.

A portion of the proceeds benefit Kimochi’s programs and services, which include information and referral assistance, senior center activities, health and consumer education seminars, healthy aging activities, hot lunches, home delivered meals, social services, in-home support services, transportation, adult social day care, and a 24-hour residential and respite care program.

For more information, call Kimochi at (415) 931-2294 or visit the website at www.kimochi-inc.org.