Craft fair continues success, despite some adversity

OSBURN — Last weekend was the 38th Annual Osburn Arts and Crafts Fair and once again the event went above and beyond expectations for those who attended.

With local and regional vendors throughout the gymnasium and adjoining hallways, there was something for everyone.

Event organizer Ashlee Myles was pleased with how the event went and is already looking to build off this year’s successes.

“The fair went well,” Myles said. “There were several comments on how it seemed smaller but with over 70 vendors I didn’t think so. I would love to keep our vendor numbers around 70, so we keep a good variety of vendors without too many selling the same things. If we get too many more vendors, we start to get too many of the same things and that just takes away from everyone.”

Unlike previous years, the Wallace School District didn’t allow the fair to have access to the kitchen areas, which made finding a food vendor difficult. Fortunately, a local restaurant stepped up and made sure that folks attending the fair had a tasty food option while they shopped.

“Thank goodness Candie from Mom’s Vintage Eatery in Osburn stepped up to the plate and did a wonderful job,” Myles said. “She offered a variety of foods including, soups, sandwich, fresh fruit bowls and pie.”

According to Myles, the WSD, who has allowed Silver Hills Elementary School to host the event throughout its lifetime, wasn’t too keen on extending its usual courtesy, which made parts of the fair more difficult for vendors and shoppers alike.

Myles plans to address many of her issues at the next WSD school board meeting in hopes that they will continue to support the fair.

“We are hoping to get more cooperation from the school district next year, this is such a huge event for our little community, our small businesses get an opportunity to show off their talents while the community keeps a tradition to kick off their Christmas shopping they have had for over 37 years now,” Myles said. “I have requested to be on the agenda for the December school board meeting and encourage anyone available to come in support to keep our event going.”

Moving forward Myles is hoping to add more vendor spaces, but smaller sized for vendors who may not have enough product to fill a bigger space.

Myles is also working to secure a few more amenities for venders and shoppers alike, things like Wi-Fi for credit card machines, and even a few live craft options like a painting or sign making class that can be attended at the fair.

Myles will make sure that any changes or major announcements are posted on the Osburn Arts and Craft Fair Facebook page.