Furever Home Adoption Center will host its ninth annual Holiday Shopping Fair on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held at the Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster. Proceeds will benefit Furever Home and Pet Pantry of Lancaster County.

More than 100 vendors will be present at the shopping fair to sell a variety of goods, such as handmade crafts, jewelry, soaps, clothing, blankets and Christmas decorations. Although the majority of the vendors are based within Lancaster County, a few merchants from Harrisburg will join the roster this year. Staff members from the Pet Pantry will sell hot food, baked goods and beverages throughout the day.

The first 100 guests to arrive will receive a free entry in a prize drawing, which will include items donated by the fair's participating vendors, local businesses and individuals throughout the community. Gift cards, gift baskets and pet-related goods will be among the prizes given out during the drawing.

The shopping fair was started by Tina Krueger, who volunteers at both Furever Home and Pet Pantry. When Krueger initially became involved with Furever Home, the shelter did not have anyone to manage its fundraising operations. Due to the combination of Krueger's professional background in marketing and her love for animals, she volunteered immediately and started to plan the first shopping fair. "I felt I had good resources and connections because of my background, plus it kept me out of the shelters so I didn't take all the animals home," Krueger said.

At first, the fair was held at Four Seasons Golf Club. The event's immediate success and sustained growth required Krueger to move it to a larger location, and it is now held at the Farm and Home Center annually. "Of course, you always have the folks who just want to support the shelters, both of which do a lot for the community," Krueger said. "But people also come for a really good shopping experience. I pride myself on having a huge variety of vendors every year."

Furever Home is a no-kill, cage-free animal rescue located in East Petersburg. Although its facility can only house cats, the organization partners with local dog shelters to assist those who are looking to rehome their dogs. The Pet Pantry, located on Millersville Road in Lancaster, offers services such as emergency pet food assistance, spaying and neutering and accessible veterinary care. Since the Pet Pantry opened its doors over a decade ago, the organization has found homes in the community for more than 450 animals every year. "I fell in love with Furever Home once I met with them about fundraising. I felt called to devote my time, energy and love to these rescues," Krueger said. "I love the Pet Pantry for the same reasons. They're a great organization; I've utilized their services for stray cats in my neighborhood."

Vendor spaces for the shopping fair are still available and may be reserved online. For more information, visit http://www.fureverhomeadoptioncenter.com/events.html.