Annual craft shows prove to be huge draw

Like a powerful handmade magnet, a variety of craft fairs pulled people into Cape Girardeau this weekend. Layers of gifts and edible goodies were there for the finding Saturday at the 38th annual River Valley Craft Fair at the Arena Building and 4-H building in Arena Park.

At the Osage Centre, one of two locations for the Christmas Arts and Crafts Extravaganza, homemade items from about 300 vendors were available, while Notre Dame Regional High School was in the midst of its three-day Crafts, Gifts and Collectibles Show.

Michelle Chesser bought two of her four children to the two-day River Valley fair, which continues today at the Arena Building.

Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is $3. Home Sweet Home Family Bakery in Millersville, Mo., is Chesser's business, and her gourmet cupcakes were gaining notice Saturday.

"We do all kinds of baked goods. We've been doing the farmers' market for four years. We've been expanding into other things, but couldn't bring everything. Our oven ran for 17 hours yesterday. We were just glad it didn't blow up," Chesser said.

Connie Blechle, who owns Breezy Ridge Alpacas in Perryville, Mo., offered for sale some silky soft knitwear at the Arena Building. She bought the alpaca farm in 2007, and this was her fourth year at the River Valley fair. She also sells items at fairs in St. Louis and sells her goods at her farm and online.

Blechle said she had been a stay-at-home mother and was looking for something to do. She visited an alpaca farm and fell in love.

"They're my babies," Blechle said of the alpacas. "They make me smile. When they talk, they hum ... They're adorable."

Melody Morton of Jackson goes to the River Valley show every year.

"It's something to get out and do," Morton said. "I come for Christmas shopping. The guys are deer hunting, and the women come here."

Lori Ann Kinder, chairwoman of the board of directors of the Art Council of Southeast Missouri, said the Christmas Arts and Crafts Extravaganza is in its 43rd year and is being held Sunday at the Osage Centre and Show Me Center. Hours Sunday are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and tickets are $3.

Kinder said the extravaganza saw at least 1,200 people come through Saturday morning. Last year, between the two venues, 14,000 people attended the event.

"We are a unique craft fair venue because all of our artisans and crafters are providing crafts that are handmade. Many of our vendors return every year" and have the distinction of being Best of Missouri Hands, which is voted on by their peers, Kinder said.

This year's event featured a wine tasting for the first time, along with candy, nuts and local barbecue. Kinder said the craft fair helps keep the arts council going.

"We're the only arts council that puts on a fair of this caliber," Kinder said.

Kris and Al Clement of Clement Clayworks in Springfield, Mo., have come to the extravaganza for 16 years. Asked what brings them back, Kris said, "Sales."

The couple has operated its business for 20 years and attends art shows nationwide.

"This is close to home compared to the other shows we do," Kris Clement said.

Suzi Smith and Sally Holt, both of Cape Girardeau, were making a girls' weekend of it with friends.

"We love the craft fair every year," Smith said. "It's a bunch of girlfriends who get together. I like it because it's always the same weekend."

Holt noted the same weekend each year makes it good for planning.

"We have people who come from St. Louis and one from Kentucky," Holt said.

Barbara Hurst of Jackson is in her 18th year of selling at the Crafts, Gifts and Collectibles Show, hosted through Sunday by Notre Dame Regional High School. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

She and her family have sold scarves, beaded shirts and sweatshirts there since the event began. "We have a lot of return customers. I always try to get the same spot," Hurst said.

She and her sister, Toni Langston, started going to shows together. At age 38, Langston suffered a fatal brain hemorrhage, but Hurst carries on. "It's a big satisfaction" to see people wearing one of her creations, she said.

Proceeds go to the school's performing and visual arts department, Christmas for the Elderly, Soldier Packages, Toys for Tots and ToyBox.

Except for the spring musical, it's the largest fundraiser of the year, bevent coordinator Deana Pecord said. "We have wonderful vendors, and we enjoy having everyone at school," Pecord said.

About 90 percent of the school is involved in the performing and visual arts department, so mothers, fathers and students pitch in at craft fair time, Pecord said.

Vendor contact Dixie Burnett said the event features 79 booths and 112 vendors.

"We have a lot of families doing it together," Burnett said.

She said up to 5,000 people come through during the three days, but admission is charged only on Friday and Saturday.

"We have a lot of people come from the St. Louis and St. Charles area and Illinois. This is the one time of year I see them," Burnett said.

Every year, she helps out at a booth. This year, it's a booth selling Rada cutlery, black freshwater pearls and donated and consigned items.

rcampell@semissourian.com

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