When Sinikka Nogelo went to the first Holiday Gift Show of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce last November, she got more than she bargained for.

"As soon as I walked through the door, right away I bought gifts for my grandchildren," she said. "The fair provided a nice showcase for Cape Ann products. I found what I was looking for, and what I wasn't looking for, because I got some great ideas. I saw jewelry and I'm a fan of Marty Morgan pottery. ... I love to buy locally."

The second chamber holiday gift show takes place at Cruiseport Gloucester tomorrow evening and Saturday, featuring shopping, cooking demonstrations, exhibitions and door prizes.

Judy Caulkett, the chamber program manager, said the event will feature 33 booths on both levels of the new Cruiseport building, located off Rogers Street on the inner harbor. She said there is free parking, with 400 spaces both in front of the building and on the lower level near the water.

"We have lots of giveaways," she added.

The first 50 people who arrive on Friday evening and the first 50 people who arrive on Saturday will receive $5 Cape Ann gift certificates. There will be hourly door prizes.

Because the fair falls over the Veterans Day weekend, the chamber will put up a commemorative armed-services tree decorated in red, white and blue to honor the more than 100 Cape Ann residents now serving in the military.

"If people have an ornament or ornament-sized photograph they want to put on the tree, they are welcome to do so," Caulkett said.

This year also features a contest of decorated wreaths, several of which will be donated as door prizes.

The handmade wreaths will be judged in two categories, professional and amateur. The wreaths will be displayed throughout the show.

The cooking demonstrations begin tomorrow night at 7, followed by a few more on Saturday at 11 a.m. with Jim's Bagel, and 1 p.m. with a caramel apple demonstration by Nichols Candies. On Saturday at 2 p.m., Audrey's florist will host a floral demonstration. Wolf Hill is designing the decorations for both entrances.

The following weekend, the chamber's Businesswomen's Division will host a self-guided Homes for the Holidays tour of eight East Gloucester houses on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Many of the homes will be professionally decorated for the holidays.

A portion of the Home Tour proceeds go toward a scholarship. Tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the tour. Call the chamber at 978-283-1601 to order advance tickets.

If you go

What: The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the second annual Holiday Gift Show.

When: Friday, Nov. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Cruiseport Gloucester at 6 Rowe Square.

Highlights: Retail gift exposition; expert tips on decorating, catering and other holiday preparations; fashion and cooking demonstrations and a variety of "how to" presentations.