The holiday shopping season is in full swing and oftentimes there is no better gift to give than one that is handmade. For close to three decades the Betsey Mills Club has hosted the Christmas Village Craft Show, where such crafts as ornaments, floral arrangements and hand beaded jewelry can be found.
"We normally have around 45 vendors and sometimes there's a line waiting outside (to get in)," said Christine Wark, who helps to organize the fundraising event for the Betsey Mills Club Girls' Council. "This and our cookbook are our main moneymakers for the year."
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the gymnasium, on the corner of Fourth and Putnam streets.
All money from the $2 donation to get in goes back to the Betsey to help with operating expenses, according to Linda Lewis, executive director.
"It goes toward the pool and some to childcare supplies, but mainly to the pool," she said.
Wark said there are usually many returning crafters selling everything from baked goods to knitted items to clothes for American Girl dolls.
Fact Box
If you go
What: Betsey Mills Club annual Christmas Village Craft Show.
Where: Betsey Mills gymnasium, corner of Fourth and Putnam streets.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Cost: $2 donation at the door.
For information: 373-4981.
"It is well-received every year," she said.
Renee Shankland, owner of Creations by Cassie, will make her third visit to the show this year.
Shankland and her daughter Cassie make and sell beaded jewelry and keychains.
"We participate in all the big shows from October to Christmas and the Betsy is always one of our busiest," she said.
Another crafter who will make a return appearance at this year's event is Tonya Robey, co-owner of Mad Hen Primitives, 268 Front St.
"The craft shows are actually what inspired us to open a store," said Robey, who has owned the shop for 11 years and has participated in the Betsey event for about 10.
Robey is perhaps known best for her talent at rug hooking but will have something new and different at this year's event.
"We will have some primitive dolls and we will also have typewriter key jewelry," she said, explaining that the process requires stripping actual typewriters of their keys to make personalized jewelry.
The craft show has been successful for Robey and her husband, who also is a crafter.
"We usually do very well. It's great that the money (from donations) is used for a good organization," she said.
