Students and community members have the opportunity to purchase a variety of exquisite gifts at this year’s annual Dazzle event, which is organized by the Ashland Symphony Women’s League.

Entitled “Dazzle 2012: A Unique Holiday Shopping Experience,” the event is scheduled for Nov. 4 in Upper Convo from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students can attend for free by presenting their AU ID card. Additionally, children can also attend at no cost, and for adults there is a five dollar donation at the door.

Over 70 vendors will be in attendance selling their exclusive products. Several of the vendors are local, while others come from across Ohio and even Pennsylvania. Many of these vendors had their items on display at Dazzle in the past and expressed interest again this year to participate.

For other individuals, this is their first time selling their creations at the event.

As a result of this diversity, a multitude of gifts will be on display for customers to browse and purchase. Although the event is held shortly before the holiday season, not all of the items are necessarily holiday specific.

This year, the items range from jewelry to holiday and seasonal carved gourds. Gifts also include handcrafted alpaca wool blankets and sweaters as well as homemade candy. In addition, vendors will sell different artwork pieces such as paintings, photographs and pottery.

Overall, Dazzle serves as a way to kick-off the holiday shopping season. With the wide selection available, shoppers can find gifts for many of their friends and family members.

“It’s a great jump start for Christmas shopping,” Ashland Symphony Women’s League member Ann Guthrie said.

Aside from shopping, individuals also have the opportunity to browse through all of the creative items constructed by the vendors and gain inspiration for their own projects.

“They get to see all of the various ideas out there,” Guthrie said. Dazzle helps to raise money for the Ashland Symphony Orchestra and its popularity in the community has steadily increased over time. Many people look forward to the annual event. At last year’s Dazzle, there were over 1,000 paid admissions.

“Both the vendors and shoppers seemed to really enjoy it,” Guthrie said. “It has grown into a tradition.”