September 27, 2012 • Arts & Entertainment
Twelfth annual Arts and Craft Faire expected to be biggest yet
By Mason Souza
SUN CITY – Organizers of the twelfth annual Sun City Art & Craft Faire are ready to put on the biggest show Sun City has ever seen.
This year, the Faire has expanded into the Fountain View Center’s lobby, giving them enough room to provide 94 spaces winding throughout Prairie Lodge and into some of the activity rooms.
Organizers of this year’s upcoming 12th Annual Arts and Crafts Faire. (Photo provided)
As of the time of the interviews, all but one spot was taken. Organizers are expecting a crowd of 1800 to 2000 to see the works.
Sun City Art and Craft Faire
When: October 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Prairie Lodge from Drendel Ballroom through the activity corridor into the Fountain View Center lobby
Cost: Free to attend, registration fee is $30 per table
More info: Call Maggie McMahon at 847-515-7160
Perhaps proudest to put on the Faire is Maggie McMahon, N.3. McMahon helped originate the Faire as a collaboration between her club Clayground and two other charter clubs: The Pencil and Palette Club and the Sew ‘N Sews.
Having organized the Faire for 12 years, McMahon has seen the Faire grow tremendously since its start in 1999, when it was held in an outdoor tent and featured local crafters from McHenry County College alongside Sun City residents.
“I didn’t realize there was so much talent in this community, and there were just a few of us here, so I thought next year, ‘Next time we’re going to have it done by us,’” she said.
And so the Faire would become an event featuring only original works by Sun City residents, though the public is invited to attend. Crafters represent several mediums, including pottery, woodworking, watercolors, quilts, and more. Works are available for sale.
Over the years, the Faire has been supported by sponsors like Citizens Bank, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe, which provides lunches to all vendors.
