BIG FLATS, N.Y. (WENY) -- The holiday season is just around the corner and Southern Tier Events is helping small business owners and community members get into the spirit. This weekend marked the first Holiday Craft Fair of the season at the Arnot Event Center.

Over 100 vendors sold their uniquely crafted products at the Holiday Craft Fair. Some products included holiday decor, snacks, jewelry, candles, and more.

Not only could people buy things for seasonal decorating, but they could also get a head start on holiday shopping. The event also gave creators a chance to promote their products and businesses.

"It's an opportunity for all the real small businesses to get out and for customers to shop in one location with a variety of vendors," said Amber Saltsman, the owner of Southern Tier Events and organizer of the Holiday Craft Fair. "It's my favorite time of year, it's their favorite time of year and I think it's the customer's favorite time of year. They absolutely love these events. It's always really busy. It's always fun to see these familiar faces, repeat vendors, new vendors it's just a blast."

One of the event vendors was Staggering Unicorn Winery, a family-owned business in Athens, Pennsylvania. As a newer business that just recently moved locations (314 South Main Street, Athens, PA), they say they are glad to be able to have the chance to grow their clientele.

"It's a great opportunity for us," said Ben Hoke, a member of the Staggering Unicorn Winery team. "We're a Pennsylvania company. We've been licensed in New York for just over two years now, so this allows us to really reach a whole new allotment of people that we haven't really been able to interact with yet, and that helps us grow our community as well."

While the craft fair was a good opportunity to sell products and do some outreach, some small business owners, like Hoke, say they were just glad to be out and talking to people in the community.

"It means a lot to me to be able to help a small business owner and just help us live day-to-day life, so it's awesome to be able to come out and meet a lot of cool people and it's just a good time," said Christopher Cosentino from Coz Crafts.

This is only the first in a series of Holiday Craft Fairs hosted by Southern Tier Events. The next one will be on November 23 from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Finger Lakes Community College.

However, in a few weeks, the fair will be back at the Arnot Event Center on December 14 and 15 also from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

More information on Holiday Craft Fairs and other upcoming fairs and expos from Southern Tier Events can be found on their website or Facebook page.