ARTS FAIR WILL HAVE OVER 100 EXHIBITORS

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- More than 100 exhibitors from seven states will be at the 21st annual Spring Arts and Crafts Fair this weekend at the A.C. Brase Arena Building.

"We have many new exhibitors again this year," said Beverly Strohemeyer, executive director of the SEMO Council on the Arts, which is sponsoring the fair. "They come from Cape Girardeau and from as far away as Wisconsin."

The fair will take place Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Admission is $1.

The 117 exhibitors are from Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Tennessee, Indiana and Wisconsin, Strohemeyer said. Exhibit space has been sold out since March 1.

Only hand-made arts and crafts will be available at the fair, she said.

"The hand-made candies have been very popular, and what better time of year to buy a hand-made basket?" said Strohemeyer.

Other crafts available will be floral arrangements, stuffed animals, mop and porcelain dolls, Ukrainian Easter eggs, wooden toys and puzzles, personalized children's books, leather work, calligraphy, crochet, woodcraft, stained glass, designer sweatshirts, jewelry and more, she said.

The Spring Crafts Fair has been an annual event since 1971. It is a major fund-raising event for the SEMO Council on the Arts.

Proceeds from the exhibit space rental pay for community programs such as last week's Imaginary Theatre Company performances of "Alice in Wonderland" and "A Thousand Cranes" in Cape schools.

Proceeds also fund craft workshops and musical performances for the elderly in nursing homes and art workshops for teachers and day-care providers.

The publications staff from Central High School will provide a concession stand at the fair.