26th annual Alberton craft fair

Saturday was the 26th Annual Alberton Craft Fair.  But it was the first one organized by Connie Dove, who took over the helm from long time organizer, Resa Briscoe.  There were 11 tables at the fair, featuring handcrafted Christmas ornaments, candy cane wreaths, wood crafts, and more.  The money raised from the craft fair is donated to a local charity. But the charity hasn’t been determined yet, said Dove.

Nancy Typinski, who had a table full of scarves, and felted hats, said she enjoys knitting because it’s relaxing and mentally calming.  She held up a beautiful white felted hat and explained that ‘felting’ is when you take wool yarn and after you knit the hat, put it into hot water.  The longer you soak the item, and the hotter the water, the more it shrinks.  When asked what she does with the money she makes at the craft shows, Typinski said she put it back into buying supplies.

Another crafter with a table full of knitted hats, Ruby Meeter, also said that knitting is a great hobby.  “It’s relaxing and good therapy,” she said. Meeter also puts money she makes back into supplies. She calls herself a “yarn-a-holic granny” and proudly displays her “affliction” on her products.

Another table held an array of colorful beaded bracelets, gold brooches, chain necklaces, and diamond pendants.  Glenda said that this was her husband, Jerry’s, hobby of collecting jewelry.  The table was part of Jerry’s inventory.  For 20 years he had a shop at an antique mall in Washington.  

Long time vendor, Rae Daschamps, was also at the fair. Her table was a mix of knitted items and fabric table runners and pot holders. She said that the money she’s made with her crafts has bought her a couple of computers.  

Zelma Kromrey had a table full of earring and necklaces. She tries to do six to twelve shows per holiday season. She usually spends the money she makes buying Christmas presents from other vendors.   

Another vendor at the craft show wasn’t selling anything.  She is Kristina Solinger, and was there as part of her community service duties as “American’s Super Pre-Teen Queen”.  Crowned on October 4, Kristina travels to different events to talk about seat-belt safety.