Sun City will host its 20th annual Artisan Fair on Sunday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Sun City Prairie Lodge.
This is a big milestone for a Sun City event.
“We are excited to once again showcase the talent of Sun City. The event team will provide safety measures so all will be able to enjoy approximately 80 artisan vendors,” said resident Marsha Geist.
The Fair is unique in many ways. It is coordinated entirely by volunteers who help to bring Sun City’s many talented residents together.
Karen Semancik is one of the artists. She is displaying her fiber landscape scenes. She said, “The volunteers have been working since January focusing on putting together this event. It’s been a lot of work and the event will showcase the best of Sun City’s talent.”
Retirement allows those who have been practicing their craft for many years the opportunity to create and flourish. The Fair also provides the vehicle for raising funds for the many charities that benefit from talented crafters.
Geist said, “This year has brought several changes, the first being a new name, Sun City Artisan Fair. The Fair has a website that includes photographs of a sampling of some of the items that will be on sale: www.suncityartisanfair.com. We invite the public to browse the exhibits and encourage them to do their holiday shopping.”
All art mediums will be exhibited as well as special exhibits by Charter Clubs members from Paint & Palette, Sew & Sews, and Claygound. Many favorite crafters will be returning. Joann Bieda, one of the first exhibitors 20 years ago, continues to make beautiful crocheted and knitted items, along with throw pillows made from designer fabrics.
Arlene and Bob Haygood create floral centerpieces.
Arlene said, “Many talented people live here and the artistic abilities are showcased in this annual show. Having been a participant for many years I appreciate how well the fair is run, and the talent of so many exhibitors. It is a welcoming and friendly way to look at what is shown. Also, consider that the holiday season is upon us and beautiful gifts are available right there. I love seeing people who have returned every year to see some of my crafts and the others as well.”
Kris Doyle, a newer exhibitor, and a talented basket weaver, brings her handmade baskets to the Fair.
Margaret Staron creates holiday favorites: gnomes with personality.
Geist said, “Gnomes are mythological creatures that are thought to bring good fortune to your home throughout the year and they make people smile.”
Exhibitor Sharon McLaughlin and her husband participate in many craft fairs.
Sharon said, “Sun City’s fair always has a great turnout.” Sharon’s custom-made glass blocks that include school logos and specialty scenes.
Geist said, “Carolyn Gordon from the Paint and Palette Charter Club shared with us that there is a new addition this year, handcrafted cards will be for sale, designed by Paint and Palette members.”
The Sew & Sews Charter Club participates in the fair each year. The fair is their primary fundraising event. All money raised at their booth is used to provide funding for their charitable works including quilts and blankets for hospitalized children, comfort quilts for community residents, Dress A Girl project for underprivileged girls around the world, chemo caps for cancer patients, and walker bags. Sew & Sews Quilt Raffle will take place at the fair. Tickets will be $1 each or 6 tickets for $5. The winner need not be present.
What you can expect is an array of merchandise as unique as the artists. The Fair will also have items for the kids who may want to shop. There will also be items for your canine and feline family members.
The Fair is free and open to the public.
