Feeling crafty? Registration open for Osburn Craft Fair

OSBURN — Calling all crafters. After two years of taking a break for health precautions, the 39th Annual Osburn Craft Fair is back, and organizer Ashlee Myles hopes to make it bigger than ever.

“We have 40 vendors registered so far, and more are coming each day,” said Myles, who accepted the responsibility in 2017 when there was speculation that the fair might not happen. Since 1981, the fair was run by beloved local Bambi Mckay until she passed away, and responsibility was given to the Silver Valley Chamber, who had difficulty dividing their time to provide the fair the attention required.

“This fair has been around for over 30 years now. Many, like me, remember attending this event with parents or grandparents way back when we were little,” Myles said.

Myles run the fair as a one-woman-show, doing the best she can to accommodate online registration and keep everyone up to date, but she also asks that the community has patience.

“I run this event on my own, I do the best I can, but I am a single person,” she said. “I appreciate the love and support I get from our vendors and community.”

Although running the event entirely on her own, Myles has asked for volunteers from school groups to get involved to help set up and tear down, explaining, “I am always offering community service hours for anyone interested in helping our vendors load and unload their booths. Our elders especially appreciate this.”

Myles is determined to keep this tradition in the community, understanding how important it is for small business owners and the community itself, “It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone to shop local, as well as the vendors to make some extra money for the holidays.”

After taking over the event five years ago, Myles had more than 120 vendors register, with the average vendors participating around 70-90, “I love to see all the amazing talents right here in our community.”

The craft fair will take place Nov. 5-6 at Silver Hills Elementary School in Osburn from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. and include handcrafted items like pressed flowers and wreaths, resin jewelry, jams, snacks, and much more.

Silver Peak Espresso will be on-site to provide sweet drinks, caffeine, and food to crafters and event-goers.

“This event is very dear to my heart as my mom, and I attended every year for as long as I can remember,” Myles said. “It’s a lot of work, but I know she is proud of me for keeping this alive for our community.”

Questions and comments can be directed to Ashlee Myles at ashleemyles@gmail.com or 208-512-0706. In addition, the registration form and more information can be found on the Osburn Craft Fair Facebook event page.

By submitting a registration form, you are committing to both days for the full times provided, it’s very disruptive to have vendors leaving early. Set up will be Friday from 5-8 p.m. or Saturday morning from 9-10 a.m., and all vendors must be set up by 10 a.m.