SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - In the East County community of Alpine, they celebrate the holidays handcrafted.
"We have our craft show going, it's called An Alpine Christmas," a participant said.
This year more than ever, the downtown village needs a little Christmas and the business that it brings. Economic woes coupled with the Powerlink Project, which has been slicing and dicing its way down Alpine Boulevard since last November, have taken their toll on the mom and pops. Coli Donato knows -- she owned Donato's Italian Restaurant for almost 30 years.
"People avoid the area. They take the side streets," Coli said.
But this weekend, the season is the reason to head for the hills. And inside the historic Alpine Women's Club you'll find nothing that you need, but everything you want and can't live without.
Darlene Brown personalizes her handmade wooden ornaments.
"Someone picks and ornament and they decide what name they want on it," she said.
Just down Alpine Boulevard, Colleen Baer owns Finders Keepers. She too has felt the pinch of progress.
"A lot of people are going around Alpine," she said.
She believes there are brighter days ahead for her charming country town.
"I know there will be," she said.
Hopefully this weekend's crafts fair will jump start a prosperous season in the little village with big holiday heart.
An Alpine Christmas Craft Fair
The Attic Fanatic Craft Boutique
2156 Alpine Boulevard
(619) 846-6824
Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Free Parking
