Craft fair draws crowd to Rec

by Staff Pioneer Times
14 years ago

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    The Gentle Memorial Building had more than 1,000 people pass through the doors, visiting the annual Winter Craft and Gift Fair Nov. 25-26.
    “I think the mild weather helped out with the attendance,” said Marie Carmichael, program director of the Houlton Rec.
    The Craft Fair has been an annual tradition and from the outcome this year, it looks to continued to be a favored event.
    “The vendors I spoke to were very pleased with the overall two days,” said Carmichael. “Friday was much busier than in years past, but they were very happy with that.”
    Items featured included homespun bags and purses; jewelry, knit mittens, wool socks, holiday décor, woodworking items, blown glass, along with jams, jellies and other homemade goodies; decorated wreaths to scrapbooking pages.
    There were 56 different crafters at the event, which is about the same as in years past.
    “There is a core group of crafters who continue to return each year,” said Carmichael.
    One of those loyal crafters is Nancy Ellis, who has been supporting the Winter Craft and Gift Fair since it started 28 years ago.
    “We usually have a dozen or so new crafters each year, which adds to the Fair,” said Carmichael.
    A crowd of holiday shoppers was looking for just the right gift for a person on their Christmas list and the Winter Craft and Gift Fair didn’t disappoint.

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TAKES A LOOK — Lisa Gravel takes a look at snowmen at Nancy Ellis’ booth during the Winter Craft and Gift Fair.
 REACTS — Two customers take a closer look at a bracelet designed by one of the 56 crafters at the annual Winter Craft and Gift Fair.
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HAVING FUN — Molly Bailey, middle, along with another RSVP volunteer help Gayle Duff, right, with a bit of holiday shopping during the annual Winter Craft and Gift Fair.
 LOTS OF CRAFTS — Fifty-six different crafters were at the annual Winter Craft and Gift Fair at the Houlton Recreation Center Nov. 25-26.
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GET YOUR POPCORN — Tracy Rockwell, left, helps a youngster get a bag of gourmet popcorn to enjoy while walking around the Winter Craft and Gift Fair.