Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cameroon, Kenya and Nepal are just some of the countries that provide stock for Ten Thousand Villages, a nonprofit, fair-trade retail outlet that boasts 155 stores across the U.S. and Canada, including two in the Cleveland area and one in Akron. It sells handmade items from around the world, returning a significant amount of the money made into the pockets of the artisans. Villages’ downtown outlet in Trinity Commons (2230 Euclid Ave.) also aims to be a cornerstone in the redevelopment of the city center. Meanwhile, Ten Thousand Villages reaches out by partnering with other groups and hosting fair-trade sales throughout the region. It will honor some of these partners from 5:30-9 p.m. at its second annual Fabulous Fiesta at Trinity Commons. In keeping with the store’s mission, the event features an international flavor, with Brazilian dance company Sambo Joia, Brazilian jazz guitarist Moises Borges, and dancers and drummers from India performing. The food has a multi-national flavor as well. There’s also a cash bar, a raffle and a marketplace, in case you want to do some early Christmas shopping. Tickets are $40 advance, $50 at the door. Call 216.575.1058 for more info. — Anastasia Pantsios
