By Travina Coleman
Traditionally, the day after Thanksgiving signals the kickoff of Christmas shopping. But, eager shoppers can get a head start this weekend at the annual First United Methodist Church Fall Arts and Crafts Fest.
The arts and crafts event is pulling in shoppers with handcrafted one-of-a-kind gift items.
Micki Brown and Steve Thomson of the First United Methodist Church have been organizing one of the most popular arts and crafts sales for 15 years.
“My house looks like a flea market,” Brown said, laughing. “It’s almost funny.”
The First United Methodist Arts and Craft Fest is going on Friday and Saturday.
Brown makes long, soft colorful scarf and hat sets that she sells at the annual show.
Barbara Cameron, owner of The Mustard Seed on South Country Club Road, is bringing some of her handmade Victorian signs to the show.
“My granddaughter Janay Dlabah is the one who really wanted to do this show,” Cameron said. “She just moved back from Texas, and she will be bringing painted furniture.”
Other than signs and furniture, the event will offer tie-dyed T-shirts, woodworking, Rougher, OU and OSU stepping stones for the garden, jewelry, Louise Bishop paintings, centerpieces, home decor, children’s clothing and so much more, just in time for Christmas.
Thomson said he thinks the variety in handcrafted items available is the draw for many of the shoppers.
And maybe because they serve lunch, too.
“Our youth group runs concessions during the whole thing,” he said. “The money they raise off the concessions goes toward their annual ski trip.”
Proceeds from the show goes toward anything the church may need.
“We raised probably $800 to $1,000 last year,” Thomson said. “I am not real sure on why it’s so popular, it could be the timing in the season.”
And vendors can’t wait to get into the fest either.
“We are full,” Thomson said. “We have the main hall and both lobbies full. We also have a waiting list in case someone has to pull out at the last minute.”
Reach Travina Coleman at 684-2901 or tcoleman@ muskogeephoenix.com.
