Kris Kringle is coming to town well ahead of Christmas.

The Kris Kringle Craft Show, an annual fundraiser for the Blind Center of North Carolina in Washington, opens today for all those in the market for handcrafted gifts this holiday season.

Handmade silver and gemstone jewelry, wood carvings, textiles, knitted hats and gloves are just a few of the offerings to be found at the Blind Center this weekend, according to the Blind Center Director Christie Moler.

After a few years at First United Methodist Church, then the Washington Civic Center, the Kris Kringle show returns to its roots at the Blind Center on Third Street. The show opens at noon and will close at 6 p.m. today and will reopen Saturday morning at 9 and run until 3 p.m.

Moler said funds are raised for the Blind Center in two ways: vendor fees and concessions sold at the show. This year’s concessions included white bean chicken chili, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the kids, hot dogs, sausage wraps and a variety of beverages to choose from, including hot chocolate, Moler said.

Photographer Michael Cutler is also volunteering his time to take children’s pictures with Santa, who will be set up on the porch of the East Third Street facility. Photos with Santa will be printed on site and are $5 each.

A special fundraising effort by one Blind Center client is guaranteed to thrill candy-lovers. Chocowinity resident Eloise Slater will be selling her homemade candy.

“Eloise will be here both days selling candy at the baked good table,” Moler said. “On Friday she’s going to be raising transportation funds, for when we want to go on trips. … Then on Saturday, the money she makes will go back to the Blind Center. She’s a dynamo.”

Moler encouraged holiday shoppers to show their support for the Blind Center.

“We encourage people to come because that’s support for the Blind Center, and if they buy from these vendors, they’re buying local,” Moler said.

The Blind Center of North Carolina is located at the corner of North Harvey and East Third streets in Washington.